Thank you for all of your responses so far.
Yes I have social anxiety and it took me all this time just to be ok being outside and with people regularly. I can't present female socially yet, it's too much for me.
My solution is just giving me much much more time. That's all I can do. I don't know how to overcome it besides staying open and baby steps.
I am in the same boat with you...lol...Personally it is time for me to beat the fear and not let it beat me anymore. We live in an apartment setting of several duplex apartments. Spread out in a pretty good area. We don't know anyone personally anymore. Soooo, I am going to start with opening the blinds. If they see me they see me. I am pretty sure some of them already know from an old neighbor who turned out to be a not so nice friend. Then maybe work on trying to sit outside a little for a while. Things in this area are pretty quiet for the most part.
I know now that I have to start getting comfortable with who I am and work my way up to getting that attitude of I don't care anymore like the others are mentioning. Because I live in an apartment is one of the reasons I haven't just went for a drive. I have no problem at going for the drive, it is the walk to the car in my neighborhood. I know I shouldn't let that bother me because like I said, some may know. It just those first few steps. Both literally and figuratively....lol
I used to do it when I was single and lived alone. But I have a wife to think about to. Coming out in the neighborhood affects her as well. Because I know the chances of everyone accepting it is extremely low. We live in a small town in Illinois with a population of about 28,000. So that adds pressure to a decision like this.
Anyway, those are the first steps I am thinking of. Normally I rush into things. But I am not going to do that this time. I am going to take it step by step and build on that comfort with each step. And I am also going to do it with counseling. Because I know I am going to need that support. As well as with the support and encouragement I know I will get here.
But know this Sarah, you are not alone hun...
Hugs....Katrina