Three steps to stop obsessing the next day and get on the other side of it as quickly as possible. Verbaska_Studio/Canva Pro Whether or not we suffer from social anxiety, it’s happened to all of us at one time or another: We go on a date or to a party, or attend a meeting at work. We say or do something we later regret, and we suffer the next
Step 1: List your “crimes”
Make a list of things you are worried about, but make sure they are about your behavior and not others’ reactions.
- Is this an objective fact?
- If not, talk back to the worry; recognize it as a symptom of anxiety and be curious, not judgmental about it.
Step 2: Assess the damage
All that should be left on your list are objective facts. For each one, ask yourself, “Is this a big deal?”
- Maybe the person hardly noticed, laughed it off, and was nice to you the rest of the time.
- Forgive yourself for being human.
Step 3: Make repairs
Plan to follow up with the person or people involved to make sure there really is a problem.
- Be prepared to make amends in whatever way makes sense
- Being proactive will also improve your self-esteem as your personal effectiveness increases.
