Hi there, guest1! Sometimes, those of us with social phobias cough, sniffle, or clear our throats excessively when we're uncomfortable and/or nervous. We often don't know we're doing it, it's kind of a subconscious reaction. I just realized I did it about a month ago. I was in the bank and when I was done talking to the teller i kind of felt suddenly awkward and at a loss for words. As I was about to turn to go, I turned my head away and I started coughing a little into my fist and cleared my throat a few times. It wasn't like I was sick, either. I notice I'll do it sometimes if I'm face to face with someone and I'm at a loss for words. Maybe you do this, too, and don't realize it and the people are just giving you a hard time by fake coughing and stuff. I wouldn't worry about it, those people probably have no clue just what those of us with social phobia go through every day. They think they're being funny, but they're really just ignorant.
That being said, sometimes we socialphobes tend to be overly sensitive to anything that could be offensive to us, where other people either wouldn't be offended or they'd just laugh it off. I can't speak for everyone, but I know when I hear certain noises in certain social situations, I also tend to think I'm being mocked. Whether it is whispering, laughter, or maybe even coughing/sneezing, somedays I think it is directed at me. Yet another person wouldn't think twice about it and it wouldn't bother them. It could be, you just think they're doing it deliberately, but maybe they are coughing and sniffing for real. How do you know it's fake? Maybe they really are sick or have asthma or something. After all, it IS cold and flu season!
Anyway, hope this helps. Peace and Blessings,
partyof_1
All over the world I've searched and hunted, but can't find the cure for feeling unwanted.