FEAR OF DATING
Socially anxious people who fear: meeting people, asking for dates and/or divulging personal information are at a significant disadvantage in the dating game. According to the World Psychiatric Association (1995), people with social anxiety are significantly less likely to marry.

One strategy for overcoming fear of dating can be engaging in a group treatment program which provides opportunities to practice being on a date in a safe, supportive environment.

World Psychiatric Association (1995) Pocket Reference to Social Phobia. Science Press Ltd, London.

FEAR OF EATING & DRINKING IN PUBLIC
Some people fear drinking in public as they are concerned that their hand will shake, other people will notice and evaluate them negatively. Other social anxiety sufferers fear eating in public as they are concerned that they will spill their food or eat messily.(Schneier & Welkowitz, 1996). Not surprisingly, people who fear eating in public often report avoiding foods that are difficult to eat such as: spaghetti, a hamburger with the lot, or a salad sandwich.

Schneier,F. & Welkowitz,L. (1996). The Hidden Face of Shyness. New York. Avon Books

DEALING WITH AUTHORITY FIGURES
Commonly feared authority figures includes bosses, teachers and other professionals such as doctors. (Schneier & Welkowitz, 1996).

Schneier,F. & Welkowitz,L. (1996). The Hidden Face of Shyness. New York. Avon Books

PERFORMANCE ANXIETY/STAGE FRIGHT
Actors, musicians, singers and sports people often experience anxiety before or during a performance. Given that they are the focus of people's attention, its not surprising that they fear making an error or appearing anxious to others. Famous people such as Sir Laurence Olivier, Barbara Streisand, Commonwealth gold medallist Susie O'Neill, Kim Basinger, Donny Osmond, Jonathan and Jordan Knight from pop group, 'New Kids OnThe Block' and Garry McDonald have reported experiencing performance anxiety.

PUBLIC SPEAKING
Public speaking is the most common social phobia and can be a significant problem if one's work or study requires participation in group discussions and/or the giving of presentations (Schneier & Welkowitz, 1996).

Schneier,F. & Welkowitz,L. (1996). The Hidden Face of Shyness. New York. Avon Books

WRITING
Some people fear writing in public as they are concerned that their hand will shake as they write and people will evaluate them negatively. Fear of writing can pose a problem with someone is required to sign paperwork in front of an audience or write on a board.(Schneier & Welkowitz,1996).

Schneier,F. & Welkowitz,L. (1996). The Hidden Face of Shyness. New York. Avon Books

EXAMS
Written exams may be anxiety provoking for some people. They may worry about an exam for days before it is to take place and/or during the exam, When tackling the examination they may experience negative thoughts and unpleasant physical symptoms which prevent them from performing to the best of their ability (Schneier& Welkowitz, 1996)

Schneier,F. & Welkowitz,L. (1996). The Hidden Face of Shyness. New York. Avon Books

USING PUBLIC TOILETS ( PARURESIS OR BASHFUL BLADDER SYNDROME)
Fear of using public toilets is more common amongst men and men afflicted with problem usually dislike using urinals when other men are present as they fear being unable to urinate. Men may avoid the urinal and use toilet stalls instead in order to have privacy and avoid possible negative evaluation. Some people find they can't urinate at all in public whereas others find they just have a slight delay in starting to void.

Anyone who is having difficulty urinating should consult their doctor first as trouble urinating may be a symptom of a serious health problem. Once medical conditions have been ruled out it would be appropriate to consult a mental health professional.

More information about bashful bladder syndrome is available at http://austpa.org.au. This website helps people suffering from social anxiety disorder of paruresis or shy bladder syndrome. About 7% of the Australian population suffer from this condition. Easily treatable with CBT.

SOCIAL SITUATIONS IN GENERAL
Some people fear many social situations, virtually every social/performance situation may be problematic: e.g. dating, meeting new people, being observed at work, public speaking, talking on the telephone or even being seen in public. Obviously, generalised social anxiety can be very debilitating.

Schneier,F. & Welkowitz,L. (1996). The Hidden Face of Shyness. New York. Avon Books

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