You're not alone in feeling this.
social anxiety
Source: NICE / published studies
The reality
Social anxiety is a strong fear of being judged in social situations. It makes your mind fill with worst-case scenarios before you even say hello.
A word of kindness
The part of you bracing for rejection before it even happens isn't you being broken — it's a well-worn path your mind learned. It can be walked back, slowly.
Something you could try right now
Try one small, honest bid for connection today with no pressure to be clever — a comment, a question. One small step, not a performance. Each one quietly weakens the old path.
Nothing here is a diagnosis or therapy. Figures are indicative population estimates from public health bodies — not advice about you.