SociallyConfused said 9 years, 11 months ago:

I recently got out of an abusive, 7 year relationship in which I wasn’t really allowed to be with/around other people. I have severe social anxiety, and just had a psychological evaluation the other day which resulted in the psychologist telling me he felt I had agorophobia and that I needed to find safe/comfortable environments and meet people. My new boyfriend and I found a group online that focused on this sort of thing, and we went to have lunch with them. I managed pretty well and liked it, though it was definitely stressful. It was okay because all the focus wasn’t on me and I felt I could blend in and sort of fade into the background in the meantime.

We met a couple who we really liked and after the event, we exchanged emails on the website. They want to go on a double date with us, and while that seems nice, it’s an awful personal thing to me. It feels a bit like too much, yet I’m also afraid to drive them away if I reject it/it’s too early. I’m also very uncomfortable right now because the girl in the couple has been hitting up the forums on the website looking for sugar daddies. Men who will buy her things she wants, and all they get back is her appreciation. It really hit me in a ‘this is morally wrong’ way. I’m wary now to get close to them, and I feel bad for her boyfriend… yet at the same time I do want friends. My boyfriend really liked them as well and I don’t want to cripple his befriending others. It’s just… a lot for me all at once, especially given I haven’t even had acquaintances in over 7 years.

I like the social meetings, but my boyfriend is more a one on one kind of guy, and that sort of atmosphere makes me feel really nervous. He says I’m over thinking things and I probably am, but I can’t seem to stop. I need help.