I never was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder but I used to be pretty shy and would get nervous talking to new people, etc. But that went away quickly when I got a job as a reporter because I had to learn how to walk up to random strangers and ask them questions as well as be willing to call the governor, state senators, university presidents, extremely attractive women in positions of power, etc, and ask them detailed questions, etc. I've eventually gotten to the point where I've been guest lecturing at the local university and coaching some high and middle school kids in the newspaper club. I've also recently been appearing on a local news 'roundtable' program. Now, I feel absolutley nothing about walking up to complete stranger and starting a conversation. The interesting thing is that the vast majority of people who seem impenetrable or standoffish are actually friendly and warm and more that willing to talk.
If I was crippled by fear, I couldn't get my job done and I'd miss out on some great relationships and experiences. And looking back, the only thing holding me back was fear in my head. It had nothing to do with who I am, etc. It's all about confidence. We tend to build up people around us. The truth is they're no better or more glamourous or beautiful than we are.
The same ability to walk up to a random stranger and talk to them, engage them, is what succesful guys use to meet and date attractive women. The guy who doesn't give a shit about what people think and can walk up to a pretty woman and strike up a conversation is the guy who gets the date; the man who sits and milks his beer watching the game on the TV and just looking at the girls through his peripheral vision is the guy who drives home alone with deep sighs.
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