I feel like I am actually getting over my problems. I really only have a problem with people in my house, as I’ve said before, but I’m starting to think I really do just hate the invasion of my privacy… So it’s not some anxiety problem that needs to be fixed; it’s just a natural need for privacy and alone time that I feel other people need to respect. Obviously they aren’t going to until I get my own place where I have a say in what goes on there, but I mean some deep breathing exercises will have to do until then.

Anyway, I’m temping as a receptionist for a couple weeks. I’m making pretty good money. But I’m also being forced to engage socially. I have to say hi to everyone who walks in the door and be friendly on the phone too. People like me. I’m really not that bad once I get into it. I’m way better than my mom, who also works at that office. I guess I learned my avoidant behavior from her, but I must have also learned and/or inherited normal social behavior from my dad. He’s super outgoing, persuasive and likeable. I used to act much more like my mom, but when I force myself to act outgoing, it comes naturally and it’s not as hard as I expect it to be. I don’t know if all socially anxious people are that way or not. I mean, I’m still an awkward person around people who don’t know me well because I don’t always know how to act properly, but I’ve been embracing that so I can joke about it and ask lots of questions. People don’t care.