THE FIRST SOCIAL AWKWARDNESS CONVENTION

October, 2022

A GUIDE. SORT OF.

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Emotional and behavioral signs of social anxiety disorder include:

• Low self-esteem

• Trouble being assertive

• Negative self-talk

• Hypersensitivity to criticism

• Poor social skills

If you suffer from any, if not all, symptoms, you have come to the right place, my not-friend.

This might be the first and only convention where the facilitators are not going to present themselves with a lengthy TED Talk-ish speech to the audience. And we don’t feel bad about it at all. Slightly disappointed in ourselves? Maybe. But this isn’t about us. This is about you.

What brings you here? If you came here to learn how to overcome your social anxiety, we can probably help you. Sort of.

Tips on how to overcome social anxiety (follow at your own risk)

1.              Analyze the reasons for your fear.

Contrary to popular belief, the people around you are not zombies, cannibals, venomous spiders, and/or fire-breathing dragons. But they can inflict pain and great suffering. GREAT. SUFFERING.

2.              Relax.

Pretend you’re in your room. Only not naked. Or.

3.              Not everyone is judging you.

A.k.a. not everything is about you. Get over yourself. But yes, they’re judging you especially when your back is turned. That’s just how the world works. Hihi.

4.              Practice making small talk with people you see often.

We’re in the Philippines. Asking “how’s the weather?” can lead you to a heated discussion of the pork barrel scam.

5.              Find a group of people with the same (dis)interests and skills (or the lack thereof) as you.

Birds of the same feather are the same birds.

6.              Motivate yourself.

For every night out, you’re entitled to hide in your cave for two weeks. Imagine all the movies and TV series you can binge watch on.

7.              Ask yourself:  what is the worst thing that can happen?

Is your ex there? No? Good. If yes, good luck!

8.              Ask the other person about a topic you know interests them.

It’s time to put your above-average stalker skills to good use. But try not to be creepy!

9.              Be positive. And stay that way until it’s time to leave.

Refer to number 6.

10.            Be your (awkward) self.

Ever heard of the Awkward Penguin meme? Penguins are cute. Awkward Penguins are, well, awkward-er.

Hand-out prepared by Yna and Christa. If you have questions or comments, don't approach us. We're 'busy'.