Test: Are you ready for a new relationship?

Even if you’re sociable and have a genuine curiosity and interest in others’ lives, when you’re naturally more introverted, it’s normal to take time to be yourself with new people. In a group situation, your tendency may be to hold back and let others do the talking, which can come across as reserve.

Worrying what others think of us can also be a powerful barrier to connecting, especially if your every social interaction triggers a mental post-mortem to rate your behaviour. And when you’re super-conscious of saying or doing the right thing, you can end up presenting a different ‘you’ in every relationship, or simply finding an excuse not to go at all. But taking a risk-averse approach to new friendships may mean missing out on connecting with a wider group of people, or taking casual friendships to a deeper level.

When you struggle with social anxiety, it’s easy to assume that everyone else finds friendships and relationships much easier than you do, but the truth is that many people share your anxieties, and work hard to hide it (as no doubt you do). It’s not easy, but by being a bit braver and willing to devote more time to your relationships, you could create a shift, and may find the depth of connection that you are craving.