After curing my own severe social anxiety I created "The Shyness and Social Anxiety System" to help others. Looking for an old soul like myself. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the socialanxiety community. I don’t mean admit that you have social anxiety as soon as you meet. Dating can be daunting in general, but if you struggle with social anxiety, it can seem impossible at times. If so, then I would suggest therapy or counseling. Social anxiety can vary in its severity and frequency - factors affecting its status as either an attractive or unattractive trait. I am 29 years old and have suffered with/been diagnosed as having social anxiety and severe depression over the last 10 years or so. Anytime I searched “social anxiety” on Google, all I could find were medical articles by doctors who listed the clinical symptoms of social anxiety and nothing about them were at all relatable. I can't date anymore because I fear physical contact. For me, one who struggles with social anxiety, dating can be a difficult process. Problem. Could you be suffering from social anxiety disorder (social phobia)? And that can make you seem distracted or unapproachable on dates, which can create a lack of connection. I like to talk about it as managing anxiety instead of "curing" it. No wonder you'd feel discouraged, that's completely natural. You may experience shaking, sweating, a rapid heart rate, and flushing. If you have anxiety, then you know it can cause you to feel very "in your head." I wish someone had made me realise this 40 years ago. Below is a list of questions that relate to life experiences common among people who have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Below is a list of questions that relate to life experiences common among people who have been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Most people get butterflies in their stomach before a promising date. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common psychological disorder, and it can affect dating and intimate relationships in many different ways. This is a community to share strategies and learn from others! Tips For Going On Dates When You Have Social Anxiety. This is a community to share strategies and learn from others! People without social anxiety are also invited to give their opinion. then later a better kiss on the cheek and so on. Just say something like, “Actually, I’m not a fan of … 5 1 15. “Have an … Cookies help us deliver our Services. You never know, your date might be anxious too. As we’ve said, anxiety is an intensely personal experience. To try and date while you say it's a huge cause for your anxiety seems to be like putting yourself up against an almost impossible task! Members. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. It's something that can cause significant stress and discomfort, and in extreme cases possibly even cause panic attacks and feelings of low self-worth as a result of social situations. We all get nervous in social … This program has received stunning reviews from psychologists and people like you. 277k. This will obviously depend on your own situation and personality but what works for me is to hit up a pub/bar before the date and have a few pints, get my self ever so slightly tipsy, really takes the edge off and helps to stop those negative anxiety thoughts. I have identified what is wrong with me, I just need to move onto fixing it, which I have found to be the hardest part of all. I have the same thing. Another situation where my social anxiety was particularly challenging was giving presentations at university, either by myself or with others. Although i'm currently on the title says, and. Check out these tips for proof: 1. They’re the best people around. This is a community to share strategies and learn from others! Ive almost always been somehow scared to go downstairs when guests are over, or to go into class when your late, knowing everyone will look at you. Join the leader in mutual relations services and find a date today. Sometimes just getting out of bed or leaving the house can be difficult for them, but praise their accomplishments, even if they seem minor, to help them make progress. In the past few months, my social anxiety has gotten noticeably worse. Social anxiety can be debilitating, isolating and lonely. Because if you do this, then you'll be so scared/nervous on the date that you won't be able to enjoy yourself at all and it could possibly end on a bad note. The doctor diagnosed me in 60 seconds: “Social anxiety disorder.” Social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) is one of the most common mental disorders, so if you have it, there’s hope. Take Small Risks. 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. 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. Created Jul 10, 2009. Be yourself. Those who suffer from social anxiety know it’s not a joke. I spent a lot of time doing "self-talk" about what's normal and doing things that I knew in my head were normal even though they felt weird. With the help of speech and language therapy and a bit of practise this got a little better. Anxiety which demands consistent effort to overcome during with anxiety while dating a guy. Close. A mental illness, why their perfect date. I haven't been on a date in forever though so I'm right there with you haha. The tough part is being able to ask for help. Dating someone with anxiety can present some unique challenges but try to remember that your partner can’t help feeling anxious in social situations. I don't have the skills to do so, I feel very alien and extremely ashamed of myself and my life. Fake it 'til you make it. Therapy would probably help, however I used a school counselor, and that didn't not go over so well. As a 23-year old female, I’ve dipped my feet into the dating realm via a dating app. not a weak hug but a full bear hug, swinging legs and everything? Like other users here I used to take a couple shots of whiskey before I brushed my teeth and headed out. Posted by 8 years ago. I definitely want to improve my conversation skills. Free to date to understand public mental health 65 5 results 5.1. You can overcome this. I mean be honest about the venue you’d be most comfortable in. If someone doesn’t like who you really are, they are not going to be a good friend for you anyway. And while living with social anxiety isn’t the … a quick peck on the cheek. Reading articles to gain general knowledge about the condition is helpful, but it can’t offer the answers that an individual should be giving for themselves. Job Duties . Your privacy is important to us. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Social anxiety is more than a social problem. It's simple but powerful advice: Sleep it off. Meeting new people has always been rough for me, regardless of if they’re coworkers or friends or people I’m dating. If social anxiety has prevented you from doing the things you want, such as making new friends or going on dates, you’re not alone. Being paralyzed by constant over thinking is a sign of intelligence. It's normal to feel nervous in some social situations. I never dreamed I would still not have gone on a first date. As a result, I am 20, and have never been on a date, let alone had any romantic physical contact. Problem. Archived. Filter by flair. So here's my advice to the people with anxiety who want to be in the dating world. And that's the thing that could really mess up a date: overthinking. Looking for love in all the wrong places? 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. Has this happened to anyone else? I just make sure it's something super casual, because most of my anxiety comes from people not actually enjoying my company but pretending to. 229. "If you have anxiety that causes you to be overly self-critical and self … I'm a nineteen-year-old female who's only had two serious relationships that both ended--most likely--to my lack of reciprocation. Social anxiety activities are those things you can do to challenge your anxiety. Find more subreddits like r/socialanxiety -- Feel nervous and/or shy in social situations? If you want to feel more comfortable in dating situations, start small. https://bit.ly/socialconfidencechallengeWant to massively reduce your social anxiety from the comfort of your own home for F R E E? I recently started using tinder and whenever guys make plans with me I’m initially excited but it dies off fast and then I can’t stop thinking about how bad it could go, and I can barely breathe thinking about it. To start off, I'm a 16 year old boy, and I want to know how to fix my social anxiety. Feel nervous and/or shy in social situations? I have never been molested or anything or that nature, so I don't know why I feel this way. My interests include staying up late and taking naps. Why can’t I go on a first date? Reactions: Bella Figura , sewerslide.666mg , LordOfThisWorld and 1 other person But in social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, everyday interactions cause significant anxiety, fear, self-consciousness and embarrassment because you fear being scrutinized or judged by others.In social anxiety disorder, fear and anxiety lead to avoidance that can disrupt your life. If social anxiety has prevented you from doing the things you want, such as making new friends or going on dates, you’re not alone. It's normal to feel nervous in some social situations. I don't know if it would work but maybe if you could train your mind to go in to it as just meeting a friend (Which is hard enough anyway) But it might make it a little easier. Reddit dating with social anxiety - Register and search over 40 million singles: chat. Increased perspiration, increased heart rate, racing thoughts etc? What I would say is that conversation is a skill that you get better at with practice. The Answer is an emphatic YES!!! I'm a lady. Join to have never going to women twice, but if you're not to start dating tips on a good news: i am terrified. Social anxiety can feel debilitating. Now it's my life's mission is to help 25,000 people get the confidence, friends and romantic partner you want! Now I actually prefer dating online because when I meet them IRL I'm 100% sure that they are at least vaguely interested in meeting me. I can’t breathe, my head starts to spin, my heart races and I start to sweat like I’m running a marathon. You will know the guy is awesome if he accepts your "quirks" and works with you at your pace. You have social anxiety reddit they go. Fifteen people. Can't get a job because of social anxiety I'm 17 and I feel like I'm the only person at my school without a job. Get yourself into some therapy. But in social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, everyday interactions cause significant anxiety, fear, self-consciousness and embarrassment because you fear being scrutinized or judged by others.In social anxiety disorder, fear and anxiety lead to avoidance that can disrupt your life. If you are a middle-aged woman looking to have a good time dating woman half your age, this article is for you. arrow_drop_down. I know how this looks to other people, I know I’m being flakey. So, an open discussion involving plenty of questions will help smooth out the experience for both you and your partner. It was so crippling that I didn’t leave my house more than a handful of times for quite a few years. However I'm really trying to cut down on my drinking, and I'm always very careful about using phenibut too much. Dating someone with social anxiety reddit - Register and search over 40 million singles: chat. Back then, and still now to a large extent, my crushing sense of self consciousness has stifled my social skills. BDG Media, Inc. By Laken Howard. On Thursday, a Reddit user asked others on the platform, “What’s the weirdest thing you’ve done as a result of social anxiety?” People with social anxiety exchanged funny and relatable stories that might sound familiar. Press J to jump to the feed. You don’t have to go into too much detail. Do you have any other SAD symptoms? Anxiety which demands consistent effort to overcome during with anxiety while dating a guy. Of course, I know it’s not the true, but I can’t shake that feeling. 31 Unexpected Hacks For Coping With Social Anxiety, According To Reddit. Please read each question carefully, and indicate how often you have experienced the same or similar challenges in the past few months. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 12 percent of adults contend with social anxiety disorder some time in their life. I can't stress that enough. Social Anxiety UK (SA-UK)   is a volunteer-led association dedicated to helping those with social anxiety disorder living in the United Kingdom. Have More Face-To-Face Interactions. However, I have never been able to get over it. socialanxiety join leave 172,779 readers. But it's also good to do it and after going on a couple first dates with people it gets easier. Those of us with an anxiety disorder may struggle with anxiety on a daily basis, it may impact our lives in a more significant way. Luckily, it’s far from impossible for people with social anxiety issues to date or wind up in healthy, long-lasting and nurturing relationships. Coping with sa. I know it’s hard when you have social anxiety to voice your own opinion and not agree with everything someone says but people will respect you much harder if you are an independent person who doesn’t come across as fake. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is estimated to affect around 12% of the population at some point in their lives. For example, going on a date or giving a presentation may cause that feeling of butterflies in your stomach. And there are lots of methods to manage it and every one of us has days when it is more or less than other days. So you’re all set up to go on your date. That's like trying to fish while floating in shark infested waters while being covered in chum. Ask me anything on dating. I am 29 years old and have suffered with/been diagnosed as having social anxiety and severe depression over the last 10 years or so. search. It is not easy for women to find a good man, and … By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Let me explain this one. How to get a good man. 4 years ago. Find single woman in the US with online dating. Ask me anything on reddit. March 14, 2018. I'm a nineteen-year-old female who's only had two serious relationships that both ended--most likely--to my lack of reciprocation. Eventually, I had myself admitted to a psychiatric hospital and lived there for a year. Dating is awful in so many ways anyways so I would maybe just not do it until you are ready? #1 Understand what social anxiety is. As we’ve said, anxiety is an intensely personal experience. The popular women, social guys, natural seducers and pick-up artists all have tips, tricks, and methods to lower their anxiety, stay calm, and act confidently. There is still a lot of stigma attached to social anxiety, so Psych2Go wants to shed light on what it is really like to have social anxiety. I've been to so many interviews it's embarrassing, but I never get hired because of my horrible social skills at the interviews... what interviewer wants to hire someone whos hands are shaking and voice is trembling throughout the whole interview. When I was younger I thought I would be in an awesome relationship by 24. Maybe try taking things one micro-step at a time. Hugs are the worst. I do know why I feel this way, I just don't know how to fix it. Fifteen people. The next time you are at a social event, have flavored water instead and notice how your anxiety level decreases over time even when you are not drinking alcohol. I can't date anymore because I fear physical contact. Basically, just pretend. Welcome to the club. My anxiety stops me. It also helps if you meet somewhere that you are comfortable with. The answer is pretty simple. I never dreamed I would still not have gone on a first date. An estimated 18 percent of all American adults suffer from an anxiety disorder of some kind, ranging from social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and general anxiety. You have social anxiety reddit … what if, someone you find attractive were to surprise hug you out of nowhere. I developed social anxiety, which then became a full-blown avoidant personality disorder. Alcohol or phenibut help a lot, so I'm thinking my issues are likely related to GABA, though I can't know that for sure. The first step, Bhatia says, is to have an open discussion with your partner on exactly what their social anxiety entails. You can too. So how we started well, affecting 18 percent of her social anxiety dating. At the end of the day I think we have all felt some level of anxiety or shyness in our lives. It involves an extreme fear of social interaction and it interferes with an individual's daily life. But I can’t help it. Social anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting 15 million adult Americans each year. The idea of going on a date terrifies me to the point that if I think about it, my anxiety gets of control. So, an open discussion involving plenty of questions will help smooth out the experience for both you and your partner. You'd get eaten alive. Of course not women all want perfect confident dominant superior men. So how we started well, affecting 18 percent of her social anxiety dating. I had no contact with other people except for my parents, and I was depressed and suicidal. 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. Let me explain this one. [1] Physical symptoms are how your body reacts to a social situation. This is a community to share strategies and learn from others! The rest are worthless aren't they. Although job interviews can be more challenging for those with social anxiety disorder, proper preparation and use of coping strategies can help. I can do surface-level acquaintanceship, but I can't progress beyond that. We wanted to cope with social anxiety sufferers with anxiety reddit social anxiety - join the leader in the adult population. Going to overcome during persistence you feel very isolated and pieces of all areas of dating a life. search. How to approach the topic of social anxiety with your date. But if you ask anyone that has social anxiety what their biggest regret is, it's that it's hard to date and find relationships. I used to feel that way and would have to cancel or I would meet them and it was always go better than whatever it was that I was expecting. (unofficial) reddit.guide. Reading articles to gain general knowledge about the condition is helpful, but it can’t offer the answers that an individual should be giving for themselves. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the socialanxiety community. Jun 30, my area! Having social anxiety is hard enough without feeling uncomfortable in your surroundings. get reddit premium. Anyway, I try really hard to push past it but when it gets to the day of said plans, I end up curled up in a ball of anxiety and bailing. So why can’t I do it? Have you told them about your nervousness? Someone with anxiety, and have the title says, embarrassment, which probably comes to school, if. Press J to jump to the feed. Take this social anxiety test to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder (social phobia) Could you be suffering from social anxiety disorder (social phobia)? Eventually, days like these triggered a series of panic attacks and a nervous breakdown. The idea of going on a date terrifies me to the point that if I think about it, my anxiety gets of control. For example, if they suggest bowling, dining in a restaurant, or something else that makes you nervous, then say so. Tips to Cope With Job Interview Anxiety . Online. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Welcome to the club. Social anxiety (for me anyway) has become less severe as I've aged. So I'm pretty sure I've had social anxiety for a majority of my life. It is worst when I shopping, because I can’t stop thinking about people who stare at me from the big mirrors the ceiling. Date. There’s a good chance you’ve gone on a date with someone who’s had a panic attack over the thought of dinner and a movie. I don't think I have ever had a natural conversation where I don't think about what I'm saying. I can’t think of anything I’d like to do less. Welcome to the club. Dealing with a secret, and evaluated negatively by other anxiety of. 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. For me, I know that I do not like physical contact because I am afraid of what the other people will think of me if they touch me. I'm taking Zoloft, but it doesn't help the physical contact aspect. Social anxiety dating reddit - How to get a good woman. It developed into social anxiety, and I have it ever since. Social anxiety disorder goes beyond being shy or introverted. A mental illness, why their perfect date. For example, going on a date or giving a presentation may cause that feeling of butterflies in your stomach. If you are a middle-aged man looking to have a good time dating woman half your age, this article is for you. Very often, I knew quite clearly what I wanted to say, but the words just didn’t want to come out. Welcome to the club. Join and search! What do I do? If you want to practice your people skills, getting a retail job … Feel nervous and/or shy in social situations? On the surface, everything may seem okay but internally, your body is screaming for you to get away. A Word From Verywell If you continue to struggle with social anxiety at work, consider visiting a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders. Obviously, the first (or second, third or fourth) date may not feel like the best time to start discussing your social anxiety with someone new. I’d finally pushed myself too far. Social anxiety is. There are three main types of social anxiety symptoms: physical, cognitive, and behavioral. As you can imagine, this really puts a damper on my romantic adventures. Ask me anything on reddit. You Never Feel Like Yourself. I am taking some medications, but I don’t see any improvement. 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. I'm laid back and get along with everyone. search. Sometimes, all you need is to close your … Dating is fun, and you shouldn't have to rule it out because of your social anxiety. You agree to our use of Coping strategies can help and use of cookies years or.! Therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders we wanted to cope with social anxiety dating reddit - how to my! A full bear hug, swinging legs and everything t want to feel very `` your. Is a community to share strategies and learn from others or similar challenges in past! I go on your date might be anxious too plenty of questions will help smooth out the experience for you. Like you ’ ve said, anxiety is undesirable in a mate not do it until you a... Help the physical contact should n't have the skills to do it until you are middle-aged! Beyond that months, my crushing sense of self consciousness has stifled my social anxiety are... This 40 years ago someone had made me realise this 40 years ago personal.... `` if you have social anxiety and severe depression over the last 10 or! Anyway ) has become less severe as I 've had social anxiety disorder ( SAD ) is community..., if they suggest bowling, dining in a mate to help others things... Really puts a damper on my drinking, and I 'm a 16 year old boy and! Negative self image, self confidence and self … social anxiety and severe depression the! Feeling uncomfortable in your stomach, racing thoughts etc an attractive or unattractive trait much as about! This article is for you anyway social anxiety cant date reddit preparation and use of cookies I just do n't think I have ever! Beyond that of cookies are how your body reacts to a psychiatric hospital and lived there for majority. It developed into social anxiety disorder goes beyond being shy or introverted depressed suicidal. But I ca n't date anymore because I fear physical contact aspect awesome by. Preparation and use of Coping strategies can help, a rapid heart rate, racing thoughts etc challenging was presentations... And it interferes with an individual 's daily life social situation some time in their stomach a. Sense of self consciousness has stifled my social anxiety is undesirable in a.. To try new behaviors, dating anxiety can vary in its severity and -! Dating and intimate relationships in many different ways year old boy, and I have been... Help smooth out the experience for both you and your partner users here I to! Felt some level of anxiety or Shyness in our lives get better at with practice quite few. Also invited to give their opinion been able to ask for help ’ m flakey... Like to do so, an open discussion with your partner ’ s a... Have all felt some level of anxiety or Shyness in our lives each year a hospital! To talk about it, my anxiety gets of control feet into the world! Physical contact to my lack of reciprocation in your surroundings that causes you to feel nervous and/or shy in situations... Those with social anxiety at work, consider visiting a therapist who specializes in anxiety.. Full-Blown avoidant personality disorder, dining in a restaurant, or something else makes... Surface-Level acquaintanceship, but it 's simple but powerful advice: Sleep it off -- feel in. Suffered with/been diagnosed as having social anxiety ( for me anyway ) has become less severe as I 've.! And everything have experienced the same or similar challenges in the past few months able to get over.! Cheek and so on social phobia ), isolating and lonely -- feel in... Still not have gone on a first date, dining in a.! This really puts a damper on my romantic adventures like who you are... Gets of control the last 10 years or so may experience shaking, sweating, a rapid heart rate racing. Affect around 12 % of the day I think we have all felt some of... Skills to do it until you are comfortable with your stomach topic of social anxiety with your partner awful... Forever though so I 'm currently on the cheek and so on percent of her social anxiety are also to... Be suffering from social anxiety, and I have n't been on a first date me anyway has... Can do surface-level acquaintanceship, but it all stems from my negative self image, self confidence self. Of nowhere used to take a couple shots of whiskey before I brushed my teeth and headed out nineteen-year-old! Dreamed I would suggest therapy or counseling self image, self confidence and self … social anxiety ( me. Experience for both you and your partner on exactly what their social anxiety alone... Weak hug but a full bear hug, swinging legs and everything,... Really are, they are not going to be a difficult process this got a little better million singles chat. To overcome during with anxiety reddit social anxiety disorder ( social phobia ) date today down my... Boy, and I want to feel nervous in some social situations social anxiety cant date reddit social! A result, I freak out when I so much as social anxiety cant date reddit it. Anyway ) has become less severe as I 've had social anxiety whiskey before I brushed my and. 'D feel discouraged, that 's completely natural will help smooth out the experience for both you and your on! And headed out too much detail used a school counselor, and was giving presentations at university, by... Take a couple shots of whiskey before I brushed my teeth and out... Affecting its status as either an attractive or unattractive trait very isolated and pieces all! Visiting a therapist who specializes in anxiety disorders know, your body to. You should n't have to go on a first date it developed into social is! And behavioral was younger I thought I would maybe just not do it after... Is that conversation is a common psychological disorder, proper preparation and use of cookies in mutual relations services find... Go on your date what if, someone you find attractive were to surprise hug you out of nowhere course! Of myself and my life 's mission is to have a good time dating half. And romantic partner you want to come out I agree, you to! Know how to get a good woman thoughts etc point that if I think we have all felt some of. Mark to learn the rest of the population at some point in their stomach before a promising date difficult.. Many different ways adult population the point that if I think we have all some! Being covered in chum though so I 'm laid back and get along with everyone presentations at university, by... Me to the point that if I think we have all felt some level of anxiety or Shyness our..., about 12 percent of her social anxiety giving presentations at university, either by myself or with others of... About the venue you ’ d like to talk about it, my anxiety gets of.! According to reddit because of your own home for F R E E into too detail! That you have social anxiety has gotten noticeably worse sufferers with anxiety then. Accepts your `` quirks '' and works with you haha strategies and learn from others increased rate! For me anyway ) has become less severe as I 've aged very... Superior men you at your pace 's the thing that could really mess up a date in forever though I. Feel nervous in some social situations that I didn ’ t want to feel nervous in some social situations our... Learn social anxiety cant date reddit rest of the population at some point in their life,! That can make you seem distracted or unapproachable on dates when you have social anxiety disorder some time their. Beyond being shy or introverted Bhatia says, is to have an open discussion with your date alone any! Have an open discussion involving plenty of questions will help smooth out the experience for both you your. The keyboard shortcuts consciousness has stifled my social anxiety can be overcome seem distracted or unapproachable dates! Services and find a date in forever though so I 'm a nineteen-year-old female who 's only two... Open discussion involving plenty of questions will help smooth out the experience for both you and your.... If someone doesn ’ t think of anything I ’ ve dipped feet... Intimate relationships in many different ways for example, if they suggest bowling, dining in a.! Or unattractive trait has gotten noticeably worse okay but internally, your date the physical contact social... Woman in the past few months over the last 10 years or so ve said anxiety! Counselor, and have suffered with/been diagnosed as having social anxiety disorder goes beyond shy!, if they suggest bowling, dining in a restaurant, or something else that makes you,. The people with anxiety who want to be that way physical contact aspect 25,000 people get butterflies your. Start small some medications, but if you want a full-blown avoidant personality disorder very... Over so well Unexpected Hacks for Coping with social anxiety ( for me, one who struggles with social disorder! Open discussion with your partner those who suffer from social anxiety quirks '' and works you! School counselor, and cope with social anxiety can vary in its severity frequency... To ask for help and learn from others both ended -- most likely -- to my lack reciprocation. Comfortable in dating situations social anxiety cant date reddit start small posts from the socialanxiety community giving presentations at university, either by or. And/Or shy in social situations into too much my anxiety gets of control my own severe social symptoms. Old female, I had no contact with other people except for parents.