For ages now, I've always had this thought in the back of my mind that people don't like me, especially when I'm talking to someone new. This thought pops up a lot at university, with new friends or acquaintances. I've realized that I feel very insecure within myself - about my style, my hair, voice, personality, my body etc. I'm 5'7" and 151 lbs, and I'm not overweight or anything. I guess I compare myself to everyone. No matter what I wear, I never feel comfortable. It's like everyone has such awesome style, while I'm just boring.
I've always been shy/quiet, but over time I think I've come out of my shell a bit and now find it a little easier to interact with new people. Though, my anxiety often holds me back and stops me from being my true self. I think I generally present myself as being quite relaxed and friendly, yet inside I usually feel tense.
I also sense that other people are usually anxious or nervous around me too. They don't seem as comfortable with me compared to with others. I'm very observant, and I find myself noticing everything in relation to the other person's body language signals, facial expressions, tone of voice etc. I wish I wasn't so observant - that I could just enjoy our conversation instead of noticing all their non-verbal communication cues. I don't know what it is about me, but I just feel like people are disgusted by me or something.
It's like everyone else is just so confident. Please help.
I've always been shy/quiet, but over time I think I've come out of my shell a bit and now find it a little easier to interact with new people. Though, my anxiety often holds me back and stops me from being my true self. I think I generally present myself as being quite relaxed and friendly, yet inside I usually feel tense.
I also sense that other people are usually anxious or nervous around me too. They don't seem as comfortable with me compared to with others. I'm very observant, and I find myself noticing everything in relation to the other person's body language signals, facial expressions, tone of voice etc. I wish I wasn't so observant - that I could just enjoy our conversation instead of noticing all their non-verbal communication cues. I don't know what it is about me, but I just feel like people are disgusted by me or something.
It's like everyone else is just so confident. Please help.