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Some tasks just seem to be impossible. Even simple mundane things such as calling or asking for help at a store can make your heart race, boost your anxiety, and be morally exhausting. Everyone has that one thing that makes them nervous and no matter how many times they do it—it doesn‘t seem to get any easier. What‘s your thing? Share down below!
You can also share how you deal with this feeling and perhaps it‘ll help someone to overcome it!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
For me, it's calling. I don't know why and this is pretty common. Usually, people expect you to call and it's their job to answer. However, it makes me nervous and I often plan in my head what I am going to say, it's ridiculous.
Final score:
37points
#2
Meeting new people. I don't know why, but it always makes me so nervous. Also doctor's appointments.
Final score:
30points
Billy The Kid 3 years ago
I love meeting new people. I always start of with a bit of humour to put a smile on their face. I like the one when they introduce themselves and say the phrase " nice to meet you" My reply is " Is it. Is it. You don't know yet. For all you know i could be your worst enemy" People always laugh at that one. As for the docs its rare that im ill. I haven't seen my doc over 20 years!
#3
I work in the call center for years, and there is not a single day that i have not been afraid to take calls. As an introvert, this job is way too much, but in our country and with my background, this is all i can do for now. During stressful situations, i drink 3 cups of coffee, sometimes more, just to have a sugar rush. I am now contemplating of changing careers however, i will plan it more wisely this time.
Final score:
26points
Yoga Kitty 3 years ago
I hate phone calls with a passion!!! In my job I am forced to use the phone, however, in my private life I just don't answer when it rings. Most of my friends just send me texts or voice messages and everything is fine - but there are some who will just not understand that I don't want them to call me. "But why, you know that it is only me?" Everytime my phone rings I mearly get a panic attack - Why is it so difficult to respect a simple request?
#4
Getting shots. Got my second Covid shot recently, was a nervous wreck the entire time
Final score:
21points
#6
Public speaking or presentations, somehow I had no problem when it came to doing live singing, or even acting in school, but when it comes to serious things that have to be covered or explained in front of a lot of people I'm just really anxious.
Final score:
19points
Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
when public speaking I found that I was completely comfortable speaking in front of a big crowd. I think the most was 250. Piece of cake. Talking to a smaller group? No! I was told that in that situation, believe it or not, look at various people practically right in the eye. If it's appropriate to what you're saying, smile at them. It worked. At least for me.
#7
Doing anything when all the attention is on me. Even if it's as simple as saying hi I'm (name). My mind just blanks out. Every single time...
Final score:
18points
#8
Not now but years ago i used to hate traveling on public transport. How i over came this was to read a book. It takes my mind into another world and i soon forget the people around me.
Final score:
16points
Legen ( wait for it ) dary 3 years ago
Leaving voice messages to cancel or confirm appointment or just ask the person to call me back. I don't like this at all. I always do a training of what I'm going to say and never is how i planned. At the end I want to delete and do it again, but it's not possible.
#9
Meeting people.
I pass for a boy, but my voice is higher than any boy my age.
I usually just don't speak, or nod.
It's really stressful.
Final score:
13points
#10
Driving somewhere I never been
Final score:
13points
Heather Lambie 3 years ago
Me too!! Once I’ve done it a few times I’m on but until then, I’m a wreck!
#11
Talking to strangers, going up to people's doors and knocking. I always feel like I'm intruding on people's lives and and might say something wrong. My mom is always scrutinizing what I say and the expressions I make with my face. Also being bullied and rejected for trying to make new friends didn't do anything to help me from outgrowing my social awkwardness, second guessing my thoughts and actions.
Final score:
10points
Joanne Hudson 3 years ago
I had the same kind of mother and then some. After she passed, my whole personality changed and I have no trouble making small conversations with strangers anymore.
#12
I have Parkinson’s and I often am scared when I have to step up or down a curb. Sometimes I get frozen. Once I asked someone pull me up — she gave me a weird look but she got me going again with just a quick tug.
So you’ll tell me to use the handicap entrance with a sidewalk ramp but it’s amazing how many places don’t have them.
Final score:
10points
Joanna Werman 3 years ago
Having balance issues, even on the ramp it can be tricky. I have almost fallen backward on the slightest slope
#13
Opening the mail. Think it's probably bad news inside. What do I then do? I don't open it, which makes it worse. Avoidance. That is not a coping skill. Or, I do my best to work up the courage and sit in the living room opening everything at once. Also, in addition to heights, driving, or being a passenger on a really high highway overpass. Panic attack while driving. Luckily enough I've had a lot of those and have learned how to manage them. If not the driver, I close my eyes. But, I will see if I can get there without having to drive on one.
Final score:
9points
albernistuff 4sale 3 years ago
I can sympathize with the mail; not in arrears or anything, just can't deal.
#15
Interacting with people, even with my best friends. I have ADHD and most likely autism (asking my doctor about it next week to see if I can get an official diagnosis), which makes it difficult for me to interact with people in a way they can understand/tolerate. I have only met one person I can unmask a lot around other than my parents. (Masking is hiding your neurodivergence to seem “normal” to society, and unmasking is letting your real self out.)
Final score:
8points
Joanne Hudson 3 years ago
Doctor will probably say no, you aren't autistic. Everyone tells me I'm not. But if I walk like a duck and quack, I'd say I'm a duck. But I probably have ASPERGER'S which is now on the Autism spectrum but its social anxiety, not being comfortable with unexpected changes in plans, new people and places.
#17
Doing new tasks that I haven't done before.
Final score:
6points
Billy The Kid 3 years ago
That's a common one. Just like starting a new job in new surroundings and new people. It all soon pans out. Just got to see how new things work.
#18
Celebrating my birthday. I don´t like to be the center of attention. I always ask the family to ignore it but they always end up putting something together for me. I feel like people expect something from me and being on someone´s mind makes me nervous.
Final score:
6points
#19
Opening emails from recruiters. I find it more stressful than actually interviewing.
Final score:
5points
#20
Weddings. I'm a French wedding photographer since 2011, "my" newly weds are always so happy with the pictures, but I can't help and think that the result will not be the one they expected. I'm soooo scared about a camera problem / missing the important moments that I always have nightmares about that the day before the wedding. You know, this kind of dream, when you forget to put pants to go to school ! But I love my job. I may be some kind of a masochist.
Final score:
5points
#21
Waking up. Beats the alternative I suppose but...still.
Final score:
5points
#22
Meeting new people. Going anywhere by myself. Making a phone call.
Final score:
5points
#23
Talking on the phone. More precisely, making phone calls. I have anxiety over receiving calls but not nearly as bad as it is when I have to make a call. It absolutely terrifies me & I’m not sure why. I’ve had phone-anxiety for as long as I can remember. When email came about & later, texting, I was ecstatic. I feel like an idiot for having a fear of the phone. Speaking of which, I have to make a few phone calls now & stop procrastinating on BP.
Final score:
5points
#25
Having to call someone I really don’t want to speak to, but need to. I always hope for a voicemail so I can just explain what I need without having to converse.
Final score:
4points
#26
Driving my vehicle on the ramps over an oil change pit. Every single time, it stresses me out.
Final score:
4points
#27
Walking in public by myself. Always makes me feel like I'm being judged by someone, all the time
Final score:
4points
Elizabeth Molloy 3 years ago
Eat me tell you something: EVERYONE feels like this! This is why so many people have headphones on or are talking on the phone whilst walking. Most people might just glance at you as they pass, either walking or driving, but everyone has many more other things on their minds that what you look like.
#29
I get nervous anytime I go onto my virtual classes, I think, "Did I do this assignment? Is this due? Did I do all my math homework?" I almost always have this feeling of dread in my stomach that's hard to get rid of. I have been doing virtual with my class since April but it still makes me nervous when I have big projects coming up.
Final score:
3points
Foodie panda 3 years ago
Same!! I thought it was just me. I always seem to have this lingering feeling that I haven't done something I should've.
#30
walking on a bridge(always scared that I'm gonna fall), walking under a bridge(always scared that it's gonna fall), walking in public(s3xu@l predators and my skin color), walking at night(s3xu@l predators), and i have more but i wont write them
Final score:
3points
Crazy Meerkat Lady 3 years ago
If not walking in public, the only place you don't fear walking is inside your house
#31
walking up to a friends door , i always have this tought in the back of my head that im going to the wrong house
Final score:
3points
#32
I'm a shaking nervous thing every single lone masquerade/stage performance I do. Thing is, I would do them multiple times a year, doesn't get any easier leading up to them. Afterwards however you just want to run back up there ^^;
Final score:
3points
#33
Playing a solo for the final evaluation in band. I am literally shaking.
Final score:
3points
#34
Being around lots of people, going into a store by myself
Final score:
3points
#35
Playing at a concert, even though I have been practicing and mastering piano for over 10 years. It still makes me fall into a nervous wreck right before I get onto stage.
Final score:
3points
Lunar Bicycle 3 years ago
I’ve played guitar for 33 years, never stopped being nervous about performing. It doesn’t matter how many times I’m complimented by audience members or fellow musicians, I always feel like an imposter, and expect to get booed off the stage at any moment.
#36
Packing luggage: no matter if it's a job trip or just holidays.
NOTA: it never happens when packing for a motorbike ride.
Final score:
3points
#37
Airline travel. I was in a near-crash situation 20 years ago, complete with dumping the fuel (a plane cannot land on a full tank), crash positions (men have to remove neckties and women their high-heeled shoes because they are a danger if the plane rolls), and the pilot yelling “Brace! Brace! Brace!” all the way down. Since then, it takes prescription anxiety medication to get me to set foot on a plane.
Final score:
3points
Colleen Coughlin 3 years ago
Wow I can totally understand developing a fear of flying after this
#38
I almost always get nervous when I speak or answer questions. I will "freeze up" and I'll be unable to answer. Then, if the person asking the question keeps insisting for an answer, I start panicking, and most of the time, people just want an answer from me, even though they can see that I clearly am unable to speak, so they will raise their voices/yell, and it just makes me panic more.
Final score:
3points
Elizabeth Molloy 3 years ago
Google it. I'm sure there are articles and videos out there giving advice on this.
#39
Using the bathroom, singing in public, showering, the list goes on and on.
Final score:
2points
#40
With my generalised anxiety disorder it's the weirdest things. But I'm (slowly)getting better.
Final score:
2points
#43
Escalators. I have virtigo so anything that has more than 3 steps makes me feel I'm falling.
Final score:
2points
#44
Taking a practical drivers test. Failed 7 times so far. I make stupid mistakes outta sheer nervousness. I'm now 45 & it's all getting quite ridiculous! :(
Final score:
2points
#49
Talking on the phone I never know what to say to the other person.
Final score:
2points
#50
Being on the tail end of stopped traffic, all puckered up waiting to have a vehicle hit me.
Final score:
2points
#51
Talking to anyone other than my mom and my best friend.
Final score:
1point
#53
I hate talking on the phone. Don't know why, I'm not bad at it, just hate it. Never answer it
Final score:
1point
#55
Having to do anything involving math especially algebra and story problems. I believe my fear goes back to my first algebra teacher. I was doing OK until that class. He didn't explain things well and got impatient when students wanted more information...like maybe he just assumed we were born having a basic knowledge of algebra.😱
Final score:
1point
#57
Popping balloons.
Blowing up balloons.
Ah yes my Globophobic heart.
Final score:
1point
#59
being first at a traffic light and having lots of cars behind me. I have an older car and therefore I can't accelerate that fast.
Final score:
1point
#60
Kissing a new person. I'm surprised nobody mentioned this thus far.
Final score:
1point
#61
Bridges
Final score:
1point
#62
Crunching the can after I put the cut lid inside it. I do it so the lid won’t fall out and cut the bag or someone handling the bag. But my brother once cut both his thumbs doing it and still has scars. So I’m still nervous every time I do it. I’m wondering now if it’s worth it. Lol.
Final score:
1point
#64
Waxing myself (mainly my legs). Every time I get really nervous that it’s will hurt badly and don’t want to remove the wax.
Final score:
1point
#65
Weirdly enough, thinking
Final score:
0points
#66
Ordering a pizza ALWAYS scares me! Especially if I am by myself and ordering for a group! I always have to pretend I'm ordering "for a friend" so I don't look like I am eating it ALL by myself.
Final score:
0points
#67
Turning on the garbage disposal.
Final score:
0points
Mad_Haberdasheress 3 years ago
Hard same! I turned on the disposal at my bf's house once and an escargot fork came flying out and missed my face by inches. Now I always check before I turn them on, which involves sticking my whole hand into the disposal and that is a whole different level of terror!
#68
Getting shots makes me nervous. I also get scared when handling any new animals. I’ve always grown up with different animals and I’ve been around almost all the animal pet types but I always get nervous when introducing myself to a new one because I don’t know how they’ll react. I also get nervous when in large groups although I end up in large group situations fairly often.
Final score:
0points
#69
The sound of an iPhone alarm. I'm talking about this sound:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXhEz3hqlQE
No matter how many times I hear it, it always makes my stomach flip. I've never heard a more excruciating and anxiety-provoking noise.
Final score:
0points
#70
Parachuting... jumping from a plane. Did it several times but you still get that feeling that maybe this bed sheet won't open.
Final score:
0points
#71
When I’m not like, securely securely strapped in, I’m afraid of heights, and I’m very paranoid about stuff
Final score:
0points
#72
Driving I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs. We're all just one idiot's move away from a multi-car pileup at high speed. Ditto eastbound I-70 between Idaho Springs and Denver--bumper-to-bumper fools at 80+ mph.
Final score:
0points
#73
Chunkaskullophobia. For 20 plus years I have been afraid of chipping. I stand over the golf
Final score:
0points
What do you think ?
Franc Esca 3 years ago
Almost any type of big bureaucracy or filling in burocratic paperwork. Leaving a job even if it's for a better one. Moving house and phone calls used to be on the list but overall I'm over it The doorbell ringing.
Franc Esca 3 years ago
Almost any type of big bureaucracy or filling in burocratic paperwork. Leaving a job even if it's for a better one. Moving house and phone calls used to be on the list but overall I'm over it The doorbell ringing.
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