Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
90Kviews
50 Hilariously Relatable Jokes In This Online Group Of Socially Anxious People Who Are Laughing Through The Tears
Social anxiety is one of the most widespread fears that usually starts during teenage years. And while many occasionally worry about social situations, someone with social anxiety feels overly worried before, during and after them. It affects their everyday activities, self-confidence, relationships and work or school life, so you can imagine what a heavy burden it may be.
But whoever is looking for a support group online, the ‘Social Anxiety’ corner of Reddit is a safe space to talk about hard things. With 309k members and counting, the subreddit has people sharing painfully funny memes on how it feels to live with this anxiety.
“Whether it's approaching someone you're attracted to or if it's giving a presentation in class, everyone gets a little nervous at times. You may have social anxiety, however, if you feel like throughout your day you're bombarded by anxious thoughts/feelings during social situations that otherwise seem so effortless for most people,” states the subreddit’s description.
“Welcome to the club,” it adds, showing that you won’t feel left out and a bunch of people here do know how you feel. So why don't you all just laugh at it?
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I Genuinely Love This Subreddit
Sheila Stamey 3 years ago
Unless you are tormented by anxiety you don't know what a gift was given. God bless whoever did this!
#2
I Hate When This Happens
#3
Thank You!!!
It’s important to understand that social anxiety is more than being shy. Although many people occasionally feel anxious in social situations, those with social anxiety have the fear interfering in their daily lives.
NHS.uk states that you may have social anxiety if you have any of these symptoms: worry about everyday activities, such as meeting strangers, starting conversations, speaking on the phone, working or shopping; avoid or worry a lot about social activities, such as group conversations, eating with company and parties; always worry about doing something you think is embarrassing, such as blushing, sweating or appearing incompetent; find it difficult to do things when others are watching—you may feel like you're being watched and judged all the time; fear being criticized, avoid eye contact or have low self-esteem; often have symptoms like feeling sick, sweating, trembling or a pounding heartbeat (palpitations); have panic attacks, where you have an overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety, usually only for a few minutes.
#4
"Social Anxiety"
#6
Too Sensitive?
Social anxiety may be especially daunting when things go against the plan and this, as we all know, happens much more often than we’d like. It’s really hard to keep yourself in control for those who don’t have it, but for people with social anxiety it may seem like mission impossible.
The good news is that there are some cognitive emotional skills that anyone can learn to get through those stressful situations better. Improving such skills has to be made a priority by those with social anxiety, and many other mental health issues like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, etc.
#7
It's Like I Forget I Have Sa For A Second
#8
"Don't Dwell On Things" They Tell Me... Meanwhile
#9
Here’s Some Abuse
Bored Panda reached out to Alice Boyes, a former clinical psychologist turned writer and the author of “The Healthy Mind Toolkit” and “The Anxiety Toolkit” to find out more about controlling our frustration when things go against the plan. Alice said that in practical terms, “the more buffer you have in your life, the easier it is to handle stress. Therefore practical solutions like creating an emergency fund can help.”
#10
*Checks Excuse Book*
#11
I Know This Feeling Too Well
Having said that, she suggests that if your life isn’t overscheduled and you have more flexibility, then it’s best “to give yourself time and nurturing to recover from knocks. ”Psychologically, it’s always best to remind yourself to take stressful situations one step at a time. “Like, if your car breaks down on the highway, all you need to do first is get out of traffic. Don't get ahead of yourself mentally,” Alice explained.
#13
Never Were Truer Words Spoken.
#15
Always
Another way to handle stress is giving yourself some sources of pleasure, like exercise, or podcasts you like. “Things you look forward to, that you can still do even when you're experiencing stress,” the former psychologist explained. In the end, it’s always helpful to remind yourself that stressful events happen to everyone. “They're part of life, but we don't necessarily know what's going on behind the scenes for other people,” Alice concluded.
#16
I’ve Never Related To Anything More
#17
Always The Outcast Of Every Group
Couch potato 3 years ago
yep. Just described what happens any time a word comes out of my mouth
#19
Aye, Contact Sucks
#20
Getting A Call From A Unknown Caller
#21
Teachers : *surprised Pikachu*
Ryan Deschanel 3 years ago
What ? Being an insensitive bully who uses their tyranical power to publicly humiliate a child does not help them ? How surprising ! /s
#22
I Feel Attacked
#23
I Have Stitched No Truer Words
#24
My Life
#25
Thanks Brain, Very Cool
Demi Zwaan 3 years ago
I'm still thinking about that time I was 8 (almost 40 years ago) and it was my birthday. I got a toy from my parents and was so happy with it, I ran to my aunt when she came in to show it to her and she had bought the exact same present. I still feel bad about it and I know it's stupid, my brain says it's stupid, I have a million reasons of why it is stupid, but I still feel bad. I hate emotions.
#26
Anyone Else?
Sheila Stamey 3 years ago
Yup.right in the eye every time. And you just feel like yelling " I could do it until you got here, doggone it!" My especial special hate; when I'm painting. I paint for me. If you say it's pretty, usually, I love you so much I will give it to,which I'm told is a pretty cool thing. But, don't walk up and say,after watching and umming for a few seconds, " you need to do..." Whatever. I will smack you with a full pallette in my dreams.
#27
Every Time
#28
It’s Me Every Freakin Day Lmao
#29
Anyone Else?
#31
Now Time To Hibernate
#32
Here We Go Again
#34
Social Anxiety - The Beginning
#35
Daniel Marsh 3 years ago
Why I had such a hard time accepting a diagnosis of depression: I actually WAS happy in bed. Sorta.
#36
It’s A Vicious Cycle
#37
I’ve Been There
#38
Am So Lonely!
#39
Show Me A Better Duo, I’ll Wait!
#40
A Little Hyperbole To Remind You You're Not Alone
Ryan Deschanel 3 years ago
Meanwhile, the people who you think laughed at you (they probably did not) have already forgotten.
NsG 3 years ago
Yes! Exactly this! I've mentioned this before but there was a study done in the 70s or 80s where they had a student (volunteer, they didnt just pick on someone!) enter a classroom late for an exam wearing a neon yellow "I love Barry Manilow" shirt. The student reported that everyone stared at them and it was the most embarrassing thing they had done! Asking the rest of the students in the room? Maybe two or three remembered the colour of the shirt and that someone was late, but that was about it. And that's what's usually happening - paradoxically, people are usually more focussed inwards at themselves and how they appear to other people than they are actually looking at and judging other people, at least beyond a few moments.
Load More Replies...
Muff_Fluff 3 years ago
Lol what this isn’t a hyperbole. A hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration.
#41
Make That 6 Weeks
#42
Yeah
#43
Me Today
Ryan Deschanel 3 years ago
"Can't we, like, have them all killed ? -No, ma'am. -Why not ? -Magna Carta. -Oh... Right... F**k that thing."
#44
College Parties
Julie C Rose 3 years ago
In fairness, I *am* on drugs because of social anxiety. Thanks, Pharmac!
#45
Yes
Julie C Rose 3 years ago
My parents actively taught me how to speak up about stuff like this because they knew I was really shy (they don’t know it’s clinical social anxiety) and didn’t want me to be unable to advocate for myself. I’ve gotten money back from a hotel that tried to rip me off.
#46
You Are Not Supposed To Call!
#47
Never Related To Something More
#48
Me Attending Online Classes
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Kenny Kulbiski 3 years ago
Me obsessing about something that happened fifty years ago. The fact that all the other people involved have been dead for quite some time makes absolutely no difference.
Dawson James 3 years ago
It's funny I keep seeing comments from extroverts who have literally no idea why were making such a big deal out of doing literally anything
Becklass 3 years ago (edited)
The most anxiously provoking thing is where you’re walking outside and a stranger appears and walks at the exact some pace next to you. It should be a legal requirement for them to pass you or slow down!. I never seem to get it right. When I slow down they do and same with walking faster. I’ve been known to go completely the wrong way I should be going in, just to get away!.
Emmydearest 3 years ago
What should someone do if they happen to have social anxiety? What would you recommend? Asking for a friend... ...who am I kidding? i have no friends 😄
Lauren Caswell 3 years ago
You can always know you aren't alone. I wonder how many of us are hiding away round the place. I mean, I'd say we should start a club but the thought of it is too much, and honestly a club for introverts sounds like such an oxymoron! But we have places like here to put our feelings and hear the stories of others, it makes me feel more normal 😅 take it one day at a time, I don't want to push any toxic positivity at you just say that I think it's a great start to reach out like you did with your comment :) ❤
Load More Replies... Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
I can relate to most of these, but at least some of them had me outright laughing. I'm so glad I can do that. I've come a long way baby!" I have Biploar 2 disorder and the social situation with covid have been hell on a lot of us. We're not to have much of any social interaction for months. Grocery store, pharmacy, pet supplies and the doctor. Great. And the one thing that is always impressed upon us is not to self-isolate. Terrific. Right now I am what they call "rapid cycling". Hypomanic to severely depressed to feeling good. I never know who I'm going to be on any given day or days. im just thankful for the good days. Today is a good day.😊
Steve Barnett 3 years ago
Hi Miss Frankfurter. Did you copy and paste a comment that I haven't made yet?! You've summed up what a lot of us are thinking. Well done and spot on.
Load More Replies... Steve Barnett 3 years ago (edited)
I get the 'other people are worse off than you!' and 'We're all in the same boat!' and 'cheer up, what's the worst that can happen!'. To everyone and anyone that's ever said these things to me, go f uck yourself.
Susie Elle 3 years ago
I find 'what's the worst that could happen' to be a very valid question whenever I feel anxious about something. More often than not the answer is 'I could make an ass out of myself', and everyone's constantly making an ass out of themselves, so it turns out it's not that bad.
Load More Replies... 
Brendan 3 years ago (edited)
*Waiting for my turn at the barbers*, screaming internally, "Please not the chatty barber!" Chatty barber: "Hey buddy, you up next?" FFS!
Gabrielle 3 years ago
Grew my hair long, stopped dyeing my greys (because of the pandemic) and now do my own trims at home. I'm saving a bundle. But the biggest perk is not ever having to walk into a salon and make small talk with a hair stylist ever again in my entire life. I think about this almost every day. And think why the hell didn't I do this sooner? I'm a woman, but I have never ever felt comfortable or pampered going to the salon. It's a social anxiety nightmare.
Load More Replies...
D Peterson 3 years ago
I didn't know what my problem was until I read this post. I have social anxiety. I swear as I read each one, I was going, "Yep, that's me. I feel like that when the phone rings or someone talks to me or someone doesn't talk to me." I'm 68 years old & I finely have a name for how I feel every moment of every day. Thank you!
Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
I have read here how many people are so anxious just to ask for help. God willing, soon we will be able to go to an office. They will understand your anxiety. There were times too many people in the waiting room. I decided to wait by myself in the hall. Understanding. They came to get me when it's time to go in. If you're so anxious all you can do is sit there & not talk, thats ok too. It tells them a lot with just that. If you keep coming back you'll eventually be comfortable. I ended up in the hospital when I finally "broke". I was terrified to go there. Nothing to be scared of. They were so kind & understanding, willing to listen & didnt tell me what to do to get better. They asked questions that helped me think & to some degree i played a part in healing myself. The patients, we give each other room to be. We also help each other. As G.K. Chesterton said, "We're all in the same boat in a stormy sea, & we owe each other a terrible loyalty". We're so loyal. Take comfort in that.
Candy corn 2 years ago
Every single fckin entry on this post was extremely relatable. Every. single. f*****g. one.
Barbara Baldwin 3 years ago
I felt every one of these a few years back. My panic attacks turned into a full-blown case of agoraphobia.
Maria Rodriguez 3 years ago
Went out to dinner last week with my boyfriend. Went great til I was home in bed thinking I could have choked to death at dinner.
Gabby M 3 years ago
You're unsympathetic. I'd rather be around people who care a lot, than someone like you who cares too little.
Load More Replies... 
Jenn Ryan 3 years ago
Maybe not for you. As someone who suffers from extreme anxiety, I can relate to almost every one of these.
Load More Replies...
Kenny Kulbiski 3 years ago
Me obsessing about something that happened fifty years ago. The fact that all the other people involved have been dead for quite some time makes absolutely no difference.
Dawson James 3 years ago
It's funny I keep seeing comments from extroverts who have literally no idea why were making such a big deal out of doing literally anything
Becklass 3 years ago (edited)
The most anxiously provoking thing is where you’re walking outside and a stranger appears and walks at the exact some pace next to you. It should be a legal requirement for them to pass you or slow down!. I never seem to get it right. When I slow down they do and same with walking faster. I’ve been known to go completely the wrong way I should be going in, just to get away!.
Emmydearest 3 years ago
What should someone do if they happen to have social anxiety? What would you recommend? Asking for a friend... ...who am I kidding? i have no friends 😄
Lauren Caswell 3 years ago
You can always know you aren't alone. I wonder how many of us are hiding away round the place. I mean, I'd say we should start a club but the thought of it is too much, and honestly a club for introverts sounds like such an oxymoron! But we have places like here to put our feelings and hear the stories of others, it makes me feel more normal 😅 take it one day at a time, I don't want to push any toxic positivity at you just say that I think it's a great start to reach out like you did with your comment :) ❤
Load More Replies... Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
I can relate to most of these, but at least some of them had me outright laughing. I'm so glad I can do that. I've come a long way baby!" I have Biploar 2 disorder and the social situation with covid have been hell on a lot of us. We're not to have much of any social interaction for months. Grocery store, pharmacy, pet supplies and the doctor. Great. And the one thing that is always impressed upon us is not to self-isolate. Terrific. Right now I am what they call "rapid cycling". Hypomanic to severely depressed to feeling good. I never know who I'm going to be on any given day or days. im just thankful for the good days. Today is a good day.😊
Steve Barnett 3 years ago
Hi Miss Frankfurter. Did you copy and paste a comment that I haven't made yet?! You've summed up what a lot of us are thinking. Well done and spot on.
Load More Replies... Steve Barnett 3 years ago (edited)
I get the 'other people are worse off than you!' and 'We're all in the same boat!' and 'cheer up, what's the worst that can happen!'. To everyone and anyone that's ever said these things to me, go f uck yourself.
Susie Elle 3 years ago
I find 'what's the worst that could happen' to be a very valid question whenever I feel anxious about something. More often than not the answer is 'I could make an ass out of myself', and everyone's constantly making an ass out of themselves, so it turns out it's not that bad.
Load More Replies... Brendan 3 years ago (edited)
*Waiting for my turn at the barbers*, screaming internally, "Please not the chatty barber!" Chatty barber: "Hey buddy, you up next?" FFS!
Gabrielle 3 years ago
Grew my hair long, stopped dyeing my greys (because of the pandemic) and now do my own trims at home. I'm saving a bundle. But the biggest perk is not ever having to walk into a salon and make small talk with a hair stylist ever again in my entire life. I think about this almost every day. And think why the hell didn't I do this sooner? I'm a woman, but I have never ever felt comfortable or pampered going to the salon. It's a social anxiety nightmare.
Load More Replies... D Peterson 3 years ago
I didn't know what my problem was until I read this post. I have social anxiety. I swear as I read each one, I was going, "Yep, that's me. I feel like that when the phone rings or someone talks to me or someone doesn't talk to me." I'm 68 years old & I finely have a name for how I feel every moment of every day. Thank you!
Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
I have read here how many people are so anxious just to ask for help. God willing, soon we will be able to go to an office. They will understand your anxiety. There were times too many people in the waiting room. I decided to wait by myself in the hall. Understanding. They came to get me when it's time to go in. If you're so anxious all you can do is sit there & not talk, thats ok too. It tells them a lot with just that. If you keep coming back you'll eventually be comfortable. I ended up in the hospital when I finally "broke". I was terrified to go there. Nothing to be scared of. They were so kind & understanding, willing to listen & didnt tell me what to do to get better. They asked questions that helped me think & to some degree i played a part in healing myself. The patients, we give each other room to be. We also help each other. As G.K. Chesterton said, "We're all in the same boat in a stormy sea, & we owe each other a terrible loyalty". We're so loyal. Take comfort in that.
Candy corn 2 years ago
Every single fckin entry on this post was extremely relatable. Every. single. f*****g. one.
Barbara Baldwin 3 years ago
I felt every one of these a few years back. My panic attacks turned into a full-blown case of agoraphobia.
Maria Rodriguez 3 years ago
Went out to dinner last week with my boyfriend. Went great til I was home in bed thinking I could have choked to death at dinner.
Gabby M 3 years ago
You're unsympathetic. I'd rather be around people who care a lot, than someone like you who cares too little.
Load More Replies... Jenn Ryan 3 years ago
Maybe not for you. As someone who suffers from extreme anxiety, I can relate to almost every one of these.
Load More Replies... You May Like “How Mental”: 30 Hilarious Memes For Anyone Struggling To Stay Sane 30 Of The Most Hilarious Memes And Jokes About All Things Programming And Computer Science (Best Of All Time) 50 Hilarious Memes To Help Ease Your Anxiety With Laughter
Greta Jaruševičiūtė
Mindaugas Balčiauskas
Viktorija Ošikaitė
Related on Bored Panda
