This is a kinda embrassing question to ask so pls don’t judge.
I did have moments where I like… went to the local library alone, or like an all day school trip or something…
But I never really like… explored outside alone… especially far from home…
So like… I feel scared about the idea of like… just going for a walk all by myself…
I realize I’ve always just asked parents to drive me somewhere so I never got a chance to just get in the habit of being by myself.
I don’t have a driver’s license so I don’t really have like a car to “retreat to”, if you know what I mean, like as in sort of “castle”.
How do I even “feel safe” just being outside on my own? For context I’m non-white so it’s… kinda intimidating… especially in the current context of US political atmosphere.
Lots of constructive suggestions in here, but yeah, the distillation is you need to get out somewhere and walk around. The license will help but also hinder because then you can hide in your car. There’s plenty to hide from yeah, the world is terrifying and brutal, but hiding is just procrastinating.
I had an opposite experience from you, I fought the social anxiety by constantly forcing myself into awkward social situations from an early age, and failing. I chose a college degree in a communications field, just trying to force myself into that so-called exposure therapy. Results were, ah, middling. Talking to random people is good, but don’t expect miracles from them. Read some ancient philosophy or Babysitters Club books. Be ready to deflect the superficial conversations and save your energy for someone you want to talk to.