Social phobia or social anxiety disorder is the constant fear of being criticized or evaluated by other people. People who suffer from social phobia are excessively self-conscious to the point where they feel that everyone around them is looking at them and judging them harshly. They become nervous, anxious and afraid of the world around them. For those with social phobia, everyday social situations like parties can become highly intimidating ordeals.
The key to the problem is that people with social anxiety want to be liked. They want very much to be seen as witty, dynamic and sociable. They want to fit in. However their anxiety about not performing well in public is so strong that it tends to cripple their best efforts. They freeze when they meet new people, particularly if they want these people to like them, for instance because they feel attracted to them or because they look up to them. They are afraid that their anxiety will be noticeable and this fear causes the anxiety to grow and turn into a vicious cycle.
Social anxiety usually develops early and without adequate treatment can be a chronic, unrelenting torturous condition. However, with suitable care,...