Why Do I Feel So Awkward Around People?

Understanding the Roots of Social Anxiety

Posted by Lindsey Keyser Ball, LPC, ATR-BC | Specializing in Adult Social Anxiety

Serving Lansing, MI and Phoenix, AZ, and available Online across all of MI and AZ

If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation replaying everything you said—or didn’t say—you’re not alone. For many adults, social situations feel stressful, overwhelming, and exhausting. You might worry about what others think of you, feel awkward during small talk, or dread being the center of attention.

👉 But this isn’t just “being shy.” This could be social anxiety.

What Is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety is the intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations. It's not a personality flaw—it's a common and treatable mental health condition.

You may be experiencing social anxiety if you:

• Avoid social or work situations

• Overanalyze what you said (or didn’t say)

• Feel physically anxious (sweaty, flushed, or frozen)

• Believe others are constantly evaluating you

• Feel drained after social interactions—even when they go “fine”

  
  

Why Do I Feel So Awkward?

Let’s explore some common root causes of social anxiety:

🔹 1. Past Rejection or Embarrassment

Negative experiences like teasing, bullying, or criticism—especially during childhood—can train your brain to expect rejection.

What starts as self-protection becomes chronic overthinking and avoidance.

🔹 2. Perfectionism

If you feel like every conversation needs to be smooth, funny, or insightful, socializing becomes a performance.

Social anxiety often hides under perfectionism and self-judgment.

🔹 3. Highly Sensitive Personality

If you're deeply attuned to emotional energy or small changes in facial expressions or tone, you may feel more socially “on edge.”

This sensitivity is a strength, but it can also lead to social overwhelm.

🔹 4. Negative Core Beliefs

Underlying thoughts like “I’m boring,” “I’m too much,” or “People won’t like the real me” shape how you experience social situations.

These beliefs often come from early experiences—and they can be rewritten.

You’re Not Alone. And You’re Not Stuck.

Social anxiety can feel isolating, but it’s also highly treatable.

In therapy, we can explore:

• Where your anxiety stems from

• What reinforces it in your current life

• Tools to feel more confident in conversations, meetings, and relationships

I use evidence-based approaches like CBT and EMDR to help you heal and build connection from the inside out.

Ready to Start Feeling More at Ease?

I specialize in working with adults who feel socially anxious, self-critical, or overwhelmed in group settings. Therapy is a space where you don’t have to filter or pretend—just bring your real self.

👉 Book a Free 15-Minute ConsultationLet’s talk about how I can support you.

🧡 You deserve connection without fear.