I try to avoid speaking in front of groups.
I feel like I have to answer texts or calls right away.
I like meeting new people and talking to them.
I think of myself as a shy person.
Just knowing there’s a party coming up makes me feel nervous all week
I think class presentations or group meetings are the worst.
If I don’t agree with someone, I usually keep it to myself.
I have a hard time feeling relaxed at a party or hangout unless I know someone really well.
I believe people actually want to hear what I have to say
It’s not easy for me to talk to someone I have a crush on.
When I’m at a party or around a group, I blush, sweat, or feel my heart beat really fast.
I try to speak up and be clear when I talk.
I get nervous when I have to talk to a teacher or someone in charge.
I don’t like being asked to sing, dance, or join in when everyone’s watching.
I’m totally fine staying home on the weekend with no social plans.
I get embarrassed really easily, even with people I know.
I’ve made up a reason to skip or leave a hangout early.
I don’t like going to busy restaurants or places where people might see me.
Before a social event, I spend a lot of time thinking about who I’ll talk to and what I’ll say.
It’s hard for me to hold eye contact, it makes me feel awkward.
You Seem Pretty Comfortable in Social Situations
You may feel nervous sometimes — but it doesn’t stop you from being yourself.
Your answers show that while you might not love every social moment (who does?), you’re still able to speak up, connect with people, and get through situations that make some others freeze up. That’s a great place to be.
What to Know:
- It’s totally normal to feel a bit nervous before talking to someone new or speaking in class.
- The difference with social anxiety is when those feelings become so big that they stop someone from doing everyday stuff.
- It’s okay to feel awkward or embarrassed sometimes — that’s part of being human (especially in middle school!). What matters is that you keep showing up and trying.
- If someone else is struggling socially, your confidence can be a big help. Just being kind or inviting someone into a conversation can really make a difference.
Things You Can Do Now:
- Use your confidence to help others: You don’t need to be loud or popular — just being kind and open goes a long way.
- Stay curious about your feelings: If you ever do feel overwhelmed or awkward, that’s okay. It’s all part of learning how to connect.
- Don’t avoid awkward moments: Sometimes the weird stuff helps us grow.
- Be someone others can talk to: You might not struggle with social anxiety, but others do. Being supportive matters.
Next Steps:
No big changes needed — just keep being yourself. And if things ever shift or feel harder socially, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Everyone needs help sometimes — even confident people.
Social Stuff Feels Pretty Tough Right Now
You’re not alone if social stuff feels uncomfortable, stressful, or even scary.
Based on your answers, it seems like you might feel nervous in situations like group hangouts, speaking in class, or talking to new people. You might worry a lot about how others see you, or feel like you just want to hide sometimes. These are signs that you could be dealing with social anxiety — and it’s okay. A lot of people feel this way, and there are ways to handle it.
What to Know:
- Most people get nervous before something like a big presentation or talking to a crush — that’s normal. But if those feelings are really intense or don’t go away, it could be something more.
- Social anxiety can make your heart race, your face blush, or make you freeze up — even if you want to join in.
- It can affect school, friendships, sports, and fun stuff. But here’s the good news: it can get better with the right help.
- Social anxiety is more common than you might think. It often starts in childhood or middle school, and lots of kids and teens go through it.
Things You Can Try Right Now:
- Practice small steps: Instead of avoiding everything, try planning what you’ll say in a simple conversation. Even a wave or quick “hey” is progress.
- Talk to someone you trust: A parent, school counselor, or teacher can help. You don’t need to figure this out alone.
- Learn what works for you: Some kids do better when they have a plan or a role to play in group situations.
- Therapy can really help: Talking to a professional doesn’t mean you’re broken. It just means you’re learning how to handle something tough — like building a new skill.
Next Steps:
If social stuff is making school or life harder than it should be, talk to a trusted adult. A counselor or therapist can help you understand what you’re feeling and how to work through it, step by step.