“Impolite” Things People Do Because of Anxiety”

“Not responding to emails, texts or calls. I’m always waiting for bad news, or for someone to tell me they hate me.”

“Interrupting people during conversations. Sometimes it’s simply because I know I won’t remember what I wanted to say.”

“I pretend I don’t notice people in public to avoid awkward conversation, or I let them approach me first so I don’t feel rejected.”

“I bite my nails like it’s my only source of food.”

“I get very sarcastic and defensive. I really just want to be left alone and it’s my feeble attempt at pushing people away.”

“I fidget a lot during conversations. I feel like it makes people think I’m bored or uninterested in what they’re saying.”

“I have an uncontrollable laugh when I’m in serious, uncomfortable situations and conversations.”

“I say things innocently that get taken the wrong way because I panic and am unable to see how they could be misconstrued.”

“I am on my phone a lot in group settings. It’s an easy way to keep my mind busy and keep it from escalating into an attack.”

“I come off as very standoffish. In reality, I’m so worried about what people think of me that I can’t actively engage in conversation.”

Anxiety looks different for everyone. If you struggle with any of these “impolite” manifestations of anxiety, you’re not alone.