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Why do people fake cough and sniff at me, Does anyone know what this could mean

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

Thats an interesting idea. Never would of occured to me. With the imatating as a joke.

Social phobia and paranoia i'd think have strong connections. Same hold's true with Social anxiety. My opinion would be that you may be experincing a touch of paranoia. And this is understandable and ok.

Sometimes it may seem as if every individual you pass looks at you. If people are talking it may be about you. A laugh would only solidify that thought in the individuals mind. I believe the coughing would be one of those things. Or perhaps you wear strong perfume or after shave . But i do know (at this moment atleast) that 9 times out of 10 it isnt the case. Though it may seem people are doing this intentionally.

I think if we do not know the person, let's just ignore it. But if we know the person, we may as well ask them if what that cough is all about.

Sometimes we just tend to worry over simple things.