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So, I went to the rec center and worked out. I didn't have much time, so I decided to do a small number of heavy lifts and GTFO. I deadlifted for the first time ever. I only lifted 50lbs, but I concentrated on my form and kept my back straight the whole time. I squatted my bodyweight +20lbs. I benched 30lbs. w00t, w00t, and w00t. Then I did some dumbbell rows, and unbeknownst to me, my form was incorrect. I was sticking my elbow out too far and curling my wrist. Some Guy came up to me... I have anxiety. It manifests itself in social situations, and when people are in my personal space. My usual reaction to being approached by a stranger is somewhere along the lines of onoz onoz onoz onoz! This time was no exception. When he started kindly giving me pointers and demonstrating what a proper dumbbell row should look like, it hit me. Wait a minute. I am feeling nervous because I have anxiety. It's like feeling congested when I have a cold--nothing I can do but acknowledge it and do the best I can to work with it. This guy is not going to kill me. He is telling me good information and I should concentrate on it. So, I did. I pulled my elbow in, just like he said. I kept my wrist straight. I felt muscles that I hadn't been feeling before. It was amazing. So, I did a few sets of proper dumbbell rows, cleaned up, stretched, and left. On the way out, the guy wished me a good evening and I said goodbye, like it was no big deal. It was only when I got out to the car that I realized that he'd been touching me, guiding my elbow to where it should have been, and I didn't freak the hell out. That's HUGE in my world. I was able to get through a normal social interaction, including completely inocuous touching, without an adrenaline response. I am so proud of myself!! Here's to stepping outside my comfort zone!