new, lonely, complex stuff, lost

[kittykat]

Hi All,
I am new and I guess I am kinda desperate. I have a long and complex *history*. In a nutshell, I worked very hard to overcome post traumatic stress disorder and crippling panic attacks. But I am, and I think have always been, socially shy. I don't see socialising as fun, rather, it's nerve wracking and anxiety provoking. I am married with kids. My husband (2nd) wishes I was more outgoing. (Ironically, and almost predictably, we met online ....not through a dating site but a parenting site.....and developed a very strong bond before I ever had to cross that "lets meet in person" stuff) There are many reasons why having a social network and friends would be great......I have none. Not one friend and no family except hubby & kids. We have relocated to Australia (I am Aussie) 4 years ago (for child custody reasons). But I was 99% friendless/unsociable in the US as well.
I am a friendly person! I am giving and caring, a good listener and an honest pal. I just am hopelessly shy and find it hard to find "real" friends or people I feel I can trust. And I am so tired of being lonley.
I study full time but externally, so I don't mix with people on-campus etc. I don't even know why I joined this site - to connect with others who understand? To get any ideas on making it easier? To make some cyber friends? I don't really know. But all and any feedback so very much appreciated!
Kind thoughts,
Kittykat

[PamT]

Hi All,
I am new and I guess I am kinda desperate. I have a long and complex *history*. In a nutshell, I worked very hard to overcome post traumatic stress disorder and crippling panic attacks. But I am, and I think have always been, socially shy. I don't see socialising as fun, rather, it's nerve wracking and anxiety provoking. I am married with kids. My husband (2nd) wishes I was more outgoing. (Ironically, and almost predictably, we met online ....not through a dating site but a parenting site.....and developed a very strong bond before I ever had to cross that "lets meet in person" stuff) There are many reasons why having a social network and friends would be great......I have none. Not one friend and no family except hubby & kids. We have relocated to Australia (I am Aussie) 4 years ago (for child custody reasons). But I was 99% friendless/unsociable in the US as well.
I am a friendly person! I am giving and caring, a good listener and an honest pal. I just am hopelessly shy and find it hard to find "real" friends or people I feel I can trust. And I am so tired of being lonley.
I study full time but externally, so I don't mix with people on-campus etc. I don't even know why I joined this site - to connect with others who understand? To get any ideas on making it easier? To make some cyber friends? I don't really know. But all and any feedback so very much appreciated!
Kind thoughts,
Kittykat

I totally understand where you're at.  I have a blog called Anxiety Madness where I discuss my experiences as well as offering any help or advice to those wanting to overcome social anxiety.  Or, you can email me, and we can talk.  I am not plugging my site...  you don't have to check it out, emailing me would be just fine.  I am here...  just write something up, close your eyes and hit the send...  don't worry about what you say in the email, but you have to make the first step if you want things to get better...

Pam