why do big public situations freak me out?
445392
They freak me out too sometimes. I think for me it is because i am more introverted than extroverted. I dont like the feeling of having to be "on" for an extended period of time, socializing and talking and making good impressions. To me it is draining and I would usually rather listen to some good music. However its good to force yourself once in a while so you dont become a shut-in. The trick is moderation and respecting your own unique personality because its ok to not like those situations. Good luck.
733742
perhaps you have a guilty conscience.  I don't think everyone, everywhere looks at you strangley.  People have much better things to do with their time.  You have anxiety.  You need professional help if you think that.
299899
erm i think people will be scared to go near you... people are afraid of what they dont know
384166
I would say you are overgeneralizing.\nNo, it wouldn't freak me out.
381329
it'd be a difficult task for anyone if they had to refrain from speaking to people about things at any given moment but even the best known speakers in the world had a time when they were nervous.  Since there is no way to avoid this here is what I suggest:\n\nFIrst start reading your presentation out loud to yourself, to get familar with your content the biggest fear you are likely to have is not saying the word right or stumbling and looking foolish which you don't want.  Then practice in front of a mirror, then family, then close friends.  When the time to go up to speak, take several deep breaths and plan your walk to the podium, this seems like something someone should know but when you only have it in your mind to walk up to the podium and speak people don't watch were they are going and sometimes bump into something around the area and that can be a bit embarassing.  Just remember it's just a report, speak well, let your eyes wander around the room and be cool:)
136219
No, its the people in the next, next door that is the freak-show.\n Lucky I have some padding!
377261
Aside from having people close to me die and die myself, I have two biggest fears that I have not overcome yet and don't plan on it. I hope to be scared of them forever. But,\n1) Falling in front of a lot of people. At my graduation it was about 1,500 people in attendance and I had on 3.5 inch heels praying to God I didn't trip and/or fall in front of all of them.\n2) Being on a date with a guy who goes temporarily insane and tries to kill me and go somewhere deserted and dump me or tie my hands and feet tape my mouth and drop me in some large body of water.
675619
A lot of people are afraid of speaking in front of a group, you're not alone.  This is a good chance for you to get used to it in front of your classmates.  Remember they are as scared as you are when its their turn.\n\nStudy your presentation so you know it well and give it your best shot.  If you mess up, just smile, pick up where you left off and keep going.  You'll be a good example to everyone else who follows you.
613429
If you are prepared, then you have nothing to worry about.  Also, you may be so fearful of making a mistake that you obsess over every little thing.  I have found after almost 30 years of teaching that you just have to be flexible and have a sense of humor.  If things mess up, laugh and go on.  Your audience will appreciate that more than you getting upset.  Once you are prepared, get out, do something else.  Take a walk, visit with friends, swim, watch a movie .... relax your mind.  Take deep breaths.
487355
Different people have different ideas of 'personal space'.  If you grew up in a crowded area, you would feel comfortable with less space than someone who had not, and so might not realize that your proximity was making someone else uncomfortable.  If the other person in the line does not seem aware of the proximity, it might be because it doesn't bother them; you can try politely asking for a little more room, and they'll likely give it to you.  And maybe look at you weird, but meh, most people aren't cultural relativists.
525450
wow 8,000!! Hard to top that!! Where you in a stadium?? I'm intrigued!! I bet you were wonderful. :)\n\nYes, studies say people fear this almost as much as death. The freaky thing is, we even have teachers at school that say they can't stand to speak to groups. I look at them and think....."Uhm, don't you do that daily in your classroom?? hmmmmm." \n\nI was raised public speaking so I don't have a tremendous fear. Just massive adrenaline attacks that remind me I need to SLOW....DOOOOOWN! But I was raised doing this. My thoughts are if we can expose kids to public performance at an early age, this is a fear that perhaps won't exist as traumatically in their adult lives. So we've put together a series of performances that start from the classroom level up to full school and then full community audiences. A gradual progression really gets the kids accustomed to speaking before an audience. And what we are accustomed to, we fear not. :)
1042134
its human nature to have obsessive fears i have a fear of clowns and small spaces(claustrophobia) dont stress so much about it because it will only make it worse
434347
This is a crazy world and there are a lot of very sick people out there. My greatest fear is that something will happen to my children. Whether its kidnapping,murder,rape or any of the other worldly awfuls. I feel like I am constant fear of these things and that I can not protect them enough
423844
Being stuck somewhere, I have an irrational fear of jumping off things, being paralysed, blind or deaf. I dont know how other people do it. growing old alone, being in a car/plane crash. Losing someone I love. As you can see im a nervous person!but you shouldnt waste your life on worrying
1064652
You might want to check out information on Social Phobia. This is one of the most common forms of anxiety disorders (more common than Agoraphobia). Over 7% of the population suffers from social anxiety disorder.\n\nIf you have social phobia you usually worry that others will notice your anxiety because of your blushing, sweating, shaking, or difficulty getting your words out, (for example).\n\nOther fears triggered by social situations include:\n\n    * I'll look uncomfortable or awkward\n    * I'll seem weird or strange\n    * I'll appear stupid or incompetent\n    * I'll look embarrassed\n    * I'll be boring\n\nThese fears tend to be triggered when just anticipating the social situation. You may also have noticed that, after the event, you often feel bad or worse when thinking about how you "performed". How you actually felt in the situation can play a big role in this "post-mortem". \n\nThe Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Association, a non-profit organization, seeks to educate about social phobia:\nhttp://www.socialphobia.org/\n\nThey list some good self help books here:\nhttp://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/bookstore.html\n\nYou should talk with your doctor and ask for a referral to a psychologist who specailizes in Anxiety Disorders.
490626
Personally, there are only couple of things that cause me to panic:\n\n- When I accidentally hurt someone physically or emotionally\n- When I can't tell the other person the truth or complete details on something that might change their life in a positive way (giving that person a way and a solution that can save that someone's life). I'm not quite sure what I can say to make and/or help them see it from my point of of view.\n- When I think that I've dissapointed, upsetted, or made someone angry with either what I have said or may have done.
926779
It might be some sort of anxiety problem, but if it's not giving you major problems, it's probably just a mild anti-social issue.  I don't like parties or large groups either, I prefer a small group, and I definitely need time to myself every day.  It's pretty normal.