Why I Hate Having Social Anxiety

He describes intense discomfort with phone calls, train conversations, shops, restaurants, and public interaction, often rehearsing or avoiding them. In Japan, he avoids hot-food purchases and festival stalls, prefers ticket machines or conveyor- belt sushi, and conceals his Japanese ability. He cannot approach women, has faced rejection, dislikes nightlife and retail work, and resolves to accept anxiety and avoid people.

His self-acceptance functions as retreat after failed exposure, reinforcing avoidance as his coping strategy.