Social anxiety is one of those struggles that often hides in plain sight. From the outside, it can look like shyness, introversion, or even rudeness — but in reality, it’s something deeper and heavier. At its core, social anxiety is the fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations. It’s not just about feeling nervous before a big presentation; it’s the everyday moments that can feel overwhelming — like speaking up in class, ordering at a café, or even making eye contact with strangers. For someone with social anxiety, these small interactions can trigger racing thoughts (“What if I mess up? What if they laugh at me?”) along with physical symptoms like sweating, shaking, or a pounding heartbeat. Unlike introversion, which is a preference for calm and solitude, social anxiety is more of a trap. The person usually wants to connect, talk, and be part of things, but the fear locks them down. Over time, this can lead to avoiding opportunities, isolating from others, an...