AVP - I think I have it

Hi,

I think I might have AVP, and I have been doing some reading about AVP, I discovered that they all suit it, but I want to make sure before I can go further...

I am not the type of character who has many friends, when I was at school I was really happy because I seen my "friends", however I left school and now I am at university and I have met two friends, who are really good to me and I talk them to quite a lot, but I only met these on the very first day, and now I find it really difficult to talk to other people, I only talk to people I know that really like me.. for example;

One of my closest friends from nursary /kindergarden school always asks me to goto clubs and I keep saying no because there will be other people there and I don't know them, so I don't go! however when he askes me to do quieter things like play pool with him and some friends from my old school who I know really well, I ALWAYS go! Because I know they will like me and I will feel comfortable.

There are two girls from university that I see everyday and get my bus, but I don't say anything to them and I always sit as far as possible! I am too afraid too say anything in fear of saying something stupid or they will talk about me afterwards.

Also I don't want to learn how to drive because I am too afraid of what other road users will think, and I am really afraid of this!

I really do think I have AVP, but how do I get rid of it? I have a desire to meet new friends, but I feel really uncomfortable in social situations with people I don't know... I am 19 years of age, and I am really unsure of what to do, should I goto a doctor? I don't want to take medication because of stories of people becoming depressed and so on, I want to do it through a natural way, can anybody help me with please?!

Thank you in advance!

Sounds like social phobia. Want a perfect definition of true avoidancy?

One who sees rejection in all things not pure acception.

That is the best definition you'll ever get. Does it fit you?

No, I don't feel like that!

I deliberately don't go with my closest friends who are going out with people I don't know in fear of being rejected, but I am a confident and well spoken character if I am with my friends, but I can only ever meet new friends when I am starting something... for example; my old job, I met a friend, and my two friends at uni when I started the first day!

BlackBook wrote:I am not the type of character who has many friends, when I was at school I was really happy because I seen my "friends", . . . and now I find it really difficult to talk to other people, I only talk to people I know that really like me.. for example;. . . however when he askes me to do quieter things like play pool with him and some friends from my old school who I know really well, I ALWAYS go! Because I know they will like me and I will feel comfortable. There are two girls from university that I see everyday and get my bus, but I don't say anything to them and I always sit as far as possible! I am too afraid too say anything . . . I have a desire to meet new friends, but I feel really uncomfortable in social situations with people I don't know. . . .

I have similar feelings. I am only self-diagnosed as AvPD. You should read more and decide for yourself. (like here: http://www.tljones.co.uk/apd/apd.htm) I can't give you guidance on whether you should seek professional help, but you may find reading about others' experiences here helpful. On the other hand, you shouldn't limit yourself to reading posting in forums like this. If you're not getting professional help or engaged in your own self-designed program to get better, then you aren't going to get any better. Good luck.