Why am I afraid of people? ?

Question

Many of my friends consider me adventurous, because I can easily do things like skydiving, rock climbing, traveling alone in a distant country, etc. But when it comes to interacting with people, I get tense and nervous, probably more than the average person. In that sense, I would be considered very timid and shy.

Would I really be considered a coward...or brave?

Answer 1

Neither.  You just have a little social anxiety.  Force yourself into social situations.  Script a few lines for yourself to get the conversation going.  Once you get past the initial wall, you'll be fine.

Answer 2

Just because you might take on adventurous things doesn't mean that you shouldn't be afraid of interacting with people. I don't think you are a coward nor brave. You like doing adventurous things maybe because you like doing them and that they don't involve you nteracting with people because you are more on your own. But you have a hard time interacting with others probably because you haven't had much exposure to those types of situations. You need to expose yourself to meet new people and not be afraid of it. Just as you interact with friends don't be afraid to interact with others. You just don't know how to handle those situations which is why you get all tense and nervous. Just force yourself to situations in which you meet people and slowly you will learn to not be so afraid.  

Answer 3

well im energetic and loud and funny when im with my friends... but when it comes to stranger im the complete opposite!

i would consider us more like socially afraid

Answer 4

coward is a harsh word.being afraid or tense in social situations does not make you a coward. its just part of you. maybe you are nervous about being embarrassed or misspeaking. maybe ur afraid of being rejected outright.not everyone is meant to b a social butterfly all the time. u sound like an interesting person and since u mentioned friends, i would try not to worry to much about it.