Stress Center Peer Support

Hey everyone, I've got a problem that's bothering me. I've had severe social anxiety my whole life. It has impproved 99%, but that other 1% is what gets me. There's this girl that I flirted with because I like her, and I was lonely. I felt really uncomfortable talking to her, and she's also shy. Haven't talked to her in months, and out of the blue she texts me, and want's me to get her something to eat. And she did pay for it before you ask. It was random and odd, but I was happy because there are very few people that I communicate with. I'm 21 yrs. old, and don't have many close friends. My best friends are in their 50s and 60s. I guess what's worrying me is the fear of being let down. I don't know. I want to text her and say what's up, but something won't let me. I just feel like it's gonna get my anxiety going. How can I go through life like this? I coped with it before with drugs, and I'm living a sober life now. I just want to be close to someone, and maybe that's what's messing me up. Having high expectations, and I still have a low self esteem. Any advice??

Nurture those high expectations by overcoming your self-esteem issue. Just do it! Get to know her better, but watch for red flags and trust your gut!

it's just crazy. I could text her right now, which is probably what she wants me to do, but i'm peaceful at the moment. When I send the message, my heart rate will go up, negative thoughts will enter my head, and my anxiety will soar through the roof. I hate it, but this is the way I am. I like to stay calm. But i'll always be alone if I don't overcome this.

You just have to confront those feelings and accept that you really like her. I always feel the same way about meeting somebody.