If you have social anxiety, a lot of the time people associate that with shyness or introversion. It can be a bit strange to find out that extroverts might also struggle with social interactions and anxiety. These feelings are not mutually exclusive to one type of person! 

We should clarify and define what introversion vs. extroversion is. People who are introverted prefer to recharge when they’re alone and extroverts tend to get their energy when they’re with people. However, when you are an outgoing person by nature with social anxiety, you can have an internal conflict happening. 

There is also this notion that extroverted people are naturally the life of the party. When extroverts have an expectation to fill, this can cause even more nervousness for them, especially if they are known to be ‘fun and always down for a good time’. This is why it’s so important to not put people into boxes because none of us are immune to these feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and self-doubt. 

If you’re an extrovert that craves to be around people, but you feel overwhelmed by their expectations or you feel like you have to ‘perform’ for others, then it’s important to start small. Go for the less-effort tiers of social situations that are not as triggering for you. This might be going to a friend’s house and just playing a video game together. This might be getting a cup of coffee, or doing a pet walking date. There are many low-tier ways to recharge your social battery without having the spotlight shine on you. 

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