Today, I decided to work on my social anxiety by ordering some food. I waited in line, practicing my order in my head all the way. When I got to the front, I said my order with no mistakes. The cashier just stared blankly at me until I mumbled, "Never mind..." and left. FML
Collection
Halloween
A failed costume, stolen candy and a very real scare: Halloween, the one night when fear is allowed.
Today, I was standing in line at a burger joint, facing my social anxiety and practicing my order in my head so I wouldn’t mess it up. When it was finally my turn, I panicked and said, “One large confidence, please.” The cashier just handed me a straw. FML
Today, I was exhausted after a long day at work and didn't feel like cooking so I went to a drive thru. I placed my order, went to the window and paid. I then drove off without my food and didn't realize it for a couple of blocks. I was too embarrassed to go back and get it. FML
Today, my friend asked me to order take out for him because he gets nervous on phones. I called a Chinese restaurant, only to get nervous, and hang up. FML
Today, I ordered fries at a drive-thru, then drove away without paying. Realizing my mistake, I panicked and circled back, only to drive past the window again. The worker just stared at me as if I was pulling off the slowest robbery in history. FML
Today, I went to a Mexican restaurant with my family. I got stuck trying to decide whether I should get the fajitas or the tacos. I ended up getting the tacos because I didn't want the fajitas to come in sizzling, and I didn't want to "make a scene". My social anxiety has hit a new low. FML
Today, at work, I was trying to repeat an order back to this guy, when his drunk girlfriend started to interrupt me. Whenever I would open my mouth, she would say "Blah blah blah." Literally. Eventually, I gave up. I got his order wrong, and got yelled at by my manager for not repeating his order. FML
Today, I got up the courage to go to a nice place for lunch alone. I wasn't expecting the Tilapia I ordered to be the whole fish, so I asked the waiter for a box because, "I forgot about an appointment in 20 minutes," just so he wouldn't think I was an idiot who didn't know what I was ordering. FML
Today, while at a store, my stuttering problem became so bad the poor store clerk had to supply my own words for me. FML
Today, whilst working at Subway, I took an order for 6 footlongs. The entire process took 15 minutes due to the customer's hesitant and glacial pace. When it came to paying, he pulled out his wallet, looked inside, looked at me, and walked quickly out of the store. FML
Today, I ordered enough takeout for 3 people. When the delivery guy smiled and asked, "Family dinner?" I panicked and said, "They're parking." Even though I know that the delivery guy doesn't really give a shit, I stood outside my apartment for 5 minutes pretending to wait for imaginary relatives before going back inside alone. FML
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Top comments
ScratchCatPower 32
Aww. I know it's really difficult to do something like that with social anxiety. Keep at it! You can do it. You should be proud of yourself for trying and getting that far!
H4H 15
Hey, you still went up and talked to the guy? That's something to be pretty proud of in my opinion, congrats OP
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Comments (71)
Kramer1998 20
Screw him, if he's gonna act like that then I'd say that's just as good as you finishing the order through and through
brenton490 19
You may have not won the war but you won a battle. Better luck in your ear against anxiety.
AzariusStar01 26
Yes, don't give up OP! I've been through it too and still do struggle with social anxiety. It's not uncommon. You just gotta encourage yourself and don't worry so much what other people will think. More than likely, the cashier won't remember you or the awkward exchange in a few days. Even if they do, it's not something that important to them that they'd dwell too much on. Number one tip: stop overthinking
Pineapple_Salad 14
Baby steps OP. Be proud of yourself. Don't give up!
Kchchan288 5
This might sound unrelated, but have you gone skydiving before? Do something that's so out of your comfort zone that it'll make think, "wait a second, if I could jump out a plane at 15000 feet, what's a couple of words to a cashier?"
DanaeZee 18
You have done great! I can imagine how you feel because I had years when I could have never done what ypu did today. Don't think you did it wrong, the cashier was wrong not talking to you :( Next time it WILL work better!
Agoraphobe1 1
I have had agoraphobia with panic disorder my entire life. I spent a most of my late 20s and early 30s unable to leave my house. What you did was excellent. Now for the bad news. You need to go back and do it again as soon as possible. Keep going back even once you succeed. I am now in my 40s. I recently worked in healthcare compliance. Part of my job was to explain billing regulations to doctors calmly. The rewards of fighting your fears the way you did are worth the emotional and physical pain. Be proud of yourself and keep up the great work!
LosSluggos 2
Is your name Tomoko Kuroki?
violet_lipstick 12
I'm sure you can do it next time! Way to go putting yourself out there.
Kr1ket927 15
I also have social anxiety and trust me, that alone is a huge step! Congrats on getting that far! People don't understand that what seems like a small step to them, is actually a huge step for us. Wtg! ?
Gigglyrocks 15
don't worry, OP. I know exactly how you feel. When I do manage to get the nerve up to do something like that, I'm always afraid afterwards that I said something awkward and can never return to that particular store. I'm proud of you for taking the step :)