Feeling anxious in stores

[Keith]

Its hard to explain but sometimes when im in a store and im having a hard time making up my mind and just standing there, i feel really anxious and pressured. Like everyone walking by or in the store is aware of my inabilty to make a decision. Im conscious of it now and yesterday i forced myself not to rush, and i stayed in the store longer than i normally would. Anyone else have something similar?

And I used to feel really weird walking out of a store without buying something, or asking for help finding something. I can handle these things now, but still feel some anxiety.

I think I have normal reactions just the amount of anxiety is way way out of proportion to the reality of the situation.

[softconcrete]

yes i have that same feeling too...and i work in a retail store. im in there for 7-8 hours at a time. but once i get in line to buy something with other people behind/beside me i become really anxious and feel my anxiety raise. its not bad when im behind the counter anymore only when i have customers giving me a hard time.

[Black_Widow]

I know what you mean. I used to feel really self conscious when it came to this type of situation too. Even now I prefer to go shopping at quiet times as opposed to busy one's.

One thing which has personally helped me is by remembering that other people are in the same position as myself - having to visit the stores and make decisions about what they want to buy also. And also remember that they're likely so wrapped up in this, that they're hardly - if at all - paying attention to what I'm doing.

It does sometimes happen that when I'm in a particular type of store a member of staff will approach me and ask if there's anything in particular I'm looking for/do I need help? But though this does tend to make me a little uncomfortable, I deal with it by responding with a friendly but short "I'm fine thank you, just browsing." I'm then left alone.

Hope these suggestions help.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by Black_Widow

One thing which has personally helped me is by remembering that other people are in the same position as myself - having to visit the stores and make decisions about what they want to buy also. And also remember that they're likely so wrapped up in this, that they're hardly - if at all - paying attention to what I'm doing.

That is really good advice, im going to try to remind myself of this more.I've been telling myself a more generalized thing" noone is really paying attention to you" but i think your suggestion is much better and more specific.

[Black_Widow]

No probs at all! Glad the suggestion helped :-)

[bluem00n33]

I get especially anxious when I have to buy stuff like deodorant or mouthwash. I'm afraid people will think I smell or something. I know that doesn't make sense because I'm buying it to prevent myself from smelling bad but I still can't help it.

[copper]

I hate shopping esp in the big box stores. Super Walmart is the worse place for me. I just hate it. It is too big. Also, all those florescent lights drive me nuts. I always go early in the morning so I can avoid the crowds of people. I do much better in smaller stores like the Dollar stores. I can see the parking lot from inside the store so it isn't as bad. In Walmart I feel freakin trapped. I can only spend about 20 minutes in there any longer I freak.

[mysteryguy85]

I feel like they're going to think I'm stealing, which is NOT the case!
I get scared that the security thingee is going to beep when I leave the store and make it like I stole something.
I hate when they seem so pushy; I'm a pushover for a good salesperson. They make it like it's going to hurt their feelings if i do not buy! And it seems to work on me.

[copper]

Originally Posted by mysteryguy85

I feel like they're going to think I'm stealing, which is NOT the case!
I get scared that the security thingee is going to beep when I leave the store and make it like I stole something.
I hate when they seem so pushy; I'm a pushover for a good salesperson. They make it like it's going to hurt their feelings if i do not buy! And it seems to work on me.

I set the alarm off once when I bought a tv.

[Shy_Daydreamer]

Clothing stores are the worst for me because it is hard to make a decision on what to buy. Plus I have to try things on which makes me take more time than usual...The longer I stay in the stores the more anxious I will be.

I just want to get what I need and get out.

[xTrappedx]

I am known for taking long in stores. I am the most indecisive person you will meet. My average time in a store I really like is 2 hours. It's gone up to 3 hours before.

....

oh the joys of online shopping

[SJG102185]

Originally Posted by mysteryguy85

I feel like they're going to think I'm stealing, which is NOT the case!
I get scared that the security thingee is going to beep when I leave the store and make it like I stole something.
I hate when they seem so pushy; I'm a pushover for a good salesperson. They make it like it's going to hurt their feelings if i do not buy! And it seems to work on me.

Yeah I also feel like they think I'm stealing. Most times when I go in a store and can't find something I want, I'll buy some gum or a drink lol
I hate it when they have someone watching the door, like at target.

[Keith]

I definitely feel like they think I'm stealing if I walk out without buying anything. It's awkward certainly.

[xTrappedx]

Originally Posted by Keith

I definitely feel like they think I'm stealing if I walk out without buying anything. It's awkward certainly.

Same...anxiety, gotta love it right...I actually feel guilty for not buying anything if I stay there a long time and I'll have this innocent look on my face or just smile at the salespeople...And if I'm wearing heavy jackets, I'll feel the need to take it off just as a way of showing my show them I'm not stashing something away.

[pita]

I get anxious in stores I'm not used to or stores with attractive employees.

[d79]

i get extremely anxious in nstores, esp if alone (my confidence levels go up and down lately i dont go anywhere alone) but not only. talking helps the stillness for me but im not outgoing so i wont start aimlessly talking to a stranger. oddly its not the decision-making that bugs me (unless its clothing or makeup) its instead stillness (checkout-lines). i also dread restaurants and avoid them often for the same reason.