Being Socially Awkward is a Trauma Symptom

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Growing up with trauma, or in a family where you didn't learn basic social graces -- or you weren't free to have friendships -- can leave you lost, as an adult, in social situations.
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[@eelnoops5200]

In the beginning of this video you said something that really caught my attention when you said something along the lines of , "...until I learned how to heal my CPTSD symptoms." SYMPTOMS. I have been thinking of this, struggling with how to heal CPTSD, but really it's the symptoms that are problematic and the only part of the equation I have control over. 🤯

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

YES!

[@VioletEmerald]

Well I mean what are you thinking the word "symptoms" encompasses? Behaviors only? Intrusive thoughts and internal emotional reactions (being triggered or emotionally dysregulated) are all symptoms too. All CPTSD is is the symptoms. You're not "just" healing the symptoms but something else stays big and real and hidden. If you heal the symptoms you heal the whole thing. No one can change the past or erase the trauma or the way it shaped your life so far. But going forward you can be so very healed.

[@annarunkle9819]

@@VioletEmerald Healing symptoms is literally what is possible. There is no cure for CPTSD, but you can heal symptoms. In my experience they come right back when you don't maintain a practice that works to keep them regulated.

[@gregorydoyle4804]

With cptsd over an extended amount of time your defence mechanisms almost become your personality.

[@mandylee7377]

The body knows the score. To just be treating trauma as symptoms alone isn't really addressing it in my opinion It needs to be processed out of our bodies to where it no longer has the power to control our emotions and coping mechanisms.

[@adrieinwonderland3748]

I had someone tell me that I’m awkward the other day and it really ruined my day. Then I realized that yes, I am definitely awkward.

[@hazeld3703]

I’ve been working on not feeling awkward about my awkwardness… I’m still awkward, but if I’m not worried about it I can reassure others. Like I’ll just tell new friends, “sorry, I miss social cues sometimes”. And I think it helps them relax

[@dwade1816]

What's more awkward is somone feeling like it's their place to telk you that THEY think you're awkward. It's like DEFINE "normal".

[@Makor1966]

“You’re mad, bonkers, off your head. But I’ll tell you a secret-all the best people are.” Alice’s father, Charles Kingsleigh, Alice in Wonderland - Just watched it this evening.

[@xLiLlyx98]

I mean, maybe some people also think it's endearing. The same way you'd call a cute shy person adorkable or something, Idk 😄 hard to say without having heard their face and tone of voice. But perhaps it was a lighthearted comment. Glad tho that you could gain something from it and it didn't "just" ruin your day!

[@imonorp02]

Same

[@Laz_RS]

My mother is a covert narcissist. Growing up, the social interaction that was modeled for me was to only talk about how horrible your life is. Too far into my adulthood did I realize people don't want to have a one sided conversation with someone who only talks about their hardships.

[@ramblingRJ]

My mother was a narcissist, too. The damage she did to me led to my repeating the pattern of victimhood by marrying a narcissist. I am divorced now, and very isolated.

[@Chelsey-cp1rd]

Oh wow I didn’t even know that this was something I experienced until I read your comment. Thank you! Just had a huge lightbulb moment.

[@ariahumasacha7740]

I can relate to that unfortunately. I thought talking about our problems was how we made good friends... 😪

[@sonnisaenz1952]

So true, I'm learning to not do that now at 63. People just run from you and never come back.

[@VioletEmerald]

My mom was similarly a covert narcissist who only talked about how horrible her life was BUT it was somehow very obvious to me from a very young age that his was not a model to follow. My mom had no friends and literally no one liked her. She was so isolated and even as a kid i didn't feel love for her. No one cared about her because she didn't care about anyone else.

[@janalu4067]

Forget narcissism - POVERTY is a great hindrance to learning social skills! I remember kids having to opt out of school trips because they involved expenses for each participant for up to 2 USD. Two dollars!!!! And they couldn't go. Not to mention not having nice enough clothes to attend social gatherings that may actually be free. Child poverty is deeply affecting a large proportion of every generation. The effects are life-long.

[@a.w.3772]

You made some really good points.

[@janalu4067]

@@a.w.3772 thank you

[@JOCECIL]

Yesssss that happened to me

[@neohermitist]

Having grown up in a poor household, that definitely had an impact on me, but then my older and younger brothers were much more socially engaged than me.

[@janalu4067]

@@neohermitist ok. Can you help me test a theory: Do you think that poverty affects girls more? I'm just wondering if being 'socially accepted' is more appearance based for girls than boys? Not trying to start a boys vs girls here, just thinking 🙏

[@rmhjules7295]

I’m very socially awkward. I dealt with a lot of loneliness when I was a child and also extreme anger when I did something wrong. I was always shy and when I didn’t say hi to my moms friends or whoever it was always “ oh she’s just shy “ so I grew up thinking that I was the shy one and whenever I did something out of character I was laughed at or teased because I was trying to break out of the shy mold. My family was a “ children are to be seen, but not heard “ family. I’m now 43 and still trying to figure things out socially along with my true personality. Thus is a very interesting video ♥️🙏🏻

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Sending you encouragement! Thanks for sharing your story. -Calista@TeamFairy

[@kobra4422]

I can relate. There's nothing more humiliating for a child than to be called shy. I remember at elementary school I started being more open and I was proud of myself, till my teacher in front of whole class said I am the most shy child and I need some special class or whatever. My shy 8yo self then confronted the teacher but it still stuck to me that I am shy and should know my place instead of interacting with others. Later I was repetitively made fun of by teachers and whenever I was talking, other kids were angry and trying to "remind me" that I am shy. Even at college I felt I will disappoint people, If I will answer the teacher question or do something "not shy". So pathetic.

[@iamaleo247]

@@kobra4422 I can relate to that.😕

[@marek9081]

@@kobra4422 oh my god! That sounds terrible!

[@riffmagos]

Isolation is the only time I feel relief from the social anxiety, on top of the every day, constant anxiety.

[@caoillainn]

Except the isolating makes anxiety worse. I have the same problem. :(

[@xuhongmao7292]

Away from my birth family, I discovered that I am the life of the party. Years of snide comments and “You will see what’s in store for you, when we get home” kind of threats really takes toll on one’s true personality. It’s really strange to have parents who are jealous of the child.

[@reynaGG8]

Exactly. I finally realized my mom was jealous of me and was a master of put-downs .

[@djosephine]

Yes. Took me 33 years to realize both my parents were jealous of me and would literally gang up on me and ostracize then bully me in the home. Two adults, ganging up on a child. A 6 year old. Imagine my lifelong social anxiety/awkwardness and confusion. Rather just be alone it’s safer that way.

[@jaysonb.6669]

I noticed this with my father who seemed to be jealous of me or always enjoyed making me feel less than in one way or another (if he ever paid any attention at all) . I wonder if it's because he lost his Father at age 13 due to a work accident wanted to take it out on me by "toughening me up" smh. Strange because his sister (my aunt) and grandmother (rip) were completely opposite personality's.

[@TheDsgrant79]

Yep. 'Vulnerable to feeling shame' is a major factor in my social awkwardness and isolation. I also learned social grace by mimicking others.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

We understand, glad you're here! -Calista@TeamFairy

[@liabw05]

What do you mean mimicking others?

[@jasminegreene8159]

@@liabw05 watching how others conduct themselves and mirroring them (do the same exact thing as them)

[@RandomJe-oy5ct]

@@liabw05You learn by observing. Then implement this through practise.

[@Sun-God2]

I'm too lazy to do this ​@@jasminegreene8159

[@Oshiiiiiiiiiiii]

I don't know if I'm on the autistic spectrum or just severely traumatized.

[@PanthORandPonAY]

Same. And it’s another thing to obsess on while being dangerously isolated.

[@rswear]

Same here! I've been told by a therapist I am on the spectrum but a little different.... What does that mean? When I've been around folks that are truly on the spectrum I see the similarities but I am also like no, my issues are not exactly the same. I defiantly see social signals but process through a myriad of possible interpretations before I try to act then panic if I got it wrong. And my mom is a covert narcist and the more I learn about CPTSD the more the pieces fit.

[@sirenamber]

They arent mutually exclusive. I've never met an autistic person who isnt also traumatized. 💖

[@serenity_in_reverie]

i do have autistic traits. since i was kid, ive always found being alone is what makes me feel safe and happy. i rarely get bored or feel lonely. but with my executive age (from adhd traits), i was clueless of normal social cues. not entirely clueless but sometimes i was just inattentive to my behaviors and surrounding. growing up in narcissistic household only made it worse. it traumatized me to have human interaction bcs all i heard from my parents was im a weird kid. so yeah traumas can escalate my autistic traits in bad way. im still learning how to find balance between the urge to be in my "nest" and stay for them a little while.

[@onthetrailcreations8638]

I’m beginning to think (and some science is too) that trauma and AS are very closely related. Especially if our bodies can be traumatized by exposure to a bug or toxin that we aren’t even aware of, that would explain how someone could be born with ‘trauma’. Lots of encouraging somatic treatment options now though too! Much you can do by yourself to help retrain your brain 😊

[@SparkyPearl]

Social interaction has always been challenging and unnatural for me. I can do it, but it takes a lot of energy to "pretend" that I am normal, okay, put together, or genuinely interested in other people, which I don't. Yes, everyone seems to know those unwritten rules but me 😭Sometimes I do meet interesting people who share something in common but sadly, as I become more selective in choosing my friends, my circle is becoming smaller and smaller. Not sure if it's my unhealed CPTSD, or me being too critical. At least I now know this is "normal" and I can accept myself for being this way.

[@arabella5871]

I can so relate to you. There is no magical way of making friends with a lot of people. You either have to be interested enough to listen or interesting enough to get people to listen to you! Half the time, I don't care about people's lives and have felt that I am not charismatic enough to captivate people. In fact, when I talk about myself too long I get uncomfortable. I am too aware that people don't give a crap and are just being nice while having a million things on their mind.

[@DR-cg1ly]

@@arabella5871 I resonate with both of you, thank you, it's tough

[@ittyfittykelly]

@@DR-cg1ly same. What’s strange is that I am a very talented salesperson. But I can’t follow anyone’s sales model.. I just use charisma and charm. But I can’t keep a close friends circle bc I was raised by a narcissist and have no actual nurturing social skills.

[@waggawaggaful]

I learned appropriate social behaviors by watching TV very closely as a child. It quickly became clear to me from studying the television that my family came nowhere close to meeting the "normal" standards set by society. It shocked me that they were also able to watch TV or observe how other people behave in public and yet were unable to model that behavior themselves in the privacy of their own homes. My dad was always very charming in public but a completely different person in private. I've only recently realized that narcissism runs strong on both sides of my family. Narcissists are perfectly aware that their behavior is immoral or unacceptable and they choose to wear a mask in public to hide their true nature.

[@tanya_alex_comedienne]

My mom used to chastise me in front of elders for not greeting them appropriately before she even gave me a chance to greet them. We would arrive and she would do all the talking and suddenly turn to me and start scolding. I'm 29 now and I still don't know the right way or time to greet people. They start greeting me and I feel ashamed that I didn't greet them first. I feel so awkward when I meet my friends' parents.

[@random269]

I hope you can reach a time when you never have to talk to her again!

[@IDraw99]

same...i even make answering the phon awkward 😂😭 we'll be fine tho, esp since we're aware of it

[@brokenanklesarentfun]

It's important to remember too that CPTSD is more common among autistic individuals. Being naturally "weird" is a trauma. This is why we are more likely to get bullied. Since accepting my awkwardness and desire to be alone often I've been happier than ever. No more "masking" and pretending to be neurotypical.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Thanks for sharing your experience! -Cara@TeamFairy

[@kiwicatnip]

CPTSD is more common among autistic people? I didn’t know this

[@winxclubstellamusa]

Yes, it’s common amongst all types of neurodivergence. The trauma of being born neurodivergent in a neurotypical world naturally fills us with shame and fear, it’s extremely hard to be so fundamentally misunderstood by people. It’s even harder for us neurodivergent women as well.

[@brokenanklesarentfun]

@@winxclubstellamusa THIS 🙌🙌🙌

[@winxclubstellamusa]

@@brokenanklesarentfun 🙏

[@orpha9031]

I have CPTSD. I isolate way too much. Now I am at the weird point. I am so desperately lonely.

[@a.w.3772]

I'm sorry to hear that. Loneliness is a real epidemic, worldwide. I struggle with it, too. Church and volunteering in the community have really helped.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

You're not alone! Glad you're here now :) -Calista@TeamFairy

[@spacebar6020]

It’s crazy how an 8 minute video has provided this kind of clarity in my life

[@yourenough3]

I am such an isolator and I have been for many many years I love nature , birds are my favorite. People hurt people and Im not really ready to reach out to make any friends . I'm going to be 50 and my last friend I had was in my late 20*s

[@christinarobleto1786]

You're not alone, after years of neglect & betrayal, I prefer my own company, I keep my interactions with others short & distant.

[@Helen-nv8el]

I feel for you and can relate. I'm almost 81 and still feel like an outsider looking in constantly. Animals are my refuge.

[@kirkkelley1899]

Ditto

[@katiekittycat6140]

Yep, I've always been socially awkward, even though some people would tell you I don't seem that way. Inside, I am often feeling random shame no matter what situation I am in. I have declined invites due to this before, especially when I was younger.

[@connect1876]

I just found out last year people actually have genuine relationships with their family members. It’s honestly sad that it’s so shocking to me when people tell me they hang out with their dad, or go workout with their mom or eat together. I remember being younger and actually having a good connection with my family, but eventually things got more busy, my parents aren’t home often. And every time I did see them and would try to talk to them, the conversation would immediately translate to school or of religious matter. It made me want to run away into my room everytime they came home since I never wanted to talk about that. Years down the line and I struggle to show those I care about appreciation, and I lack social skills. It’s sad because once you’re traumatized it doesn’t ever seem to go away.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

We understand as few others can. You're in the right place :) -Calista@TeamFairy

[@caitlina2242]

My husband tells me I don't come across as awkward but especially in groups of people and unfamiliar situations, I clam up. I have such a hard time thinking of questions to ask people about themselves - my mind goes totally blank in social situations. I realize now that growing up, I never had opportunities to interact with family members in healthy ways. My dad was emotionally absent and my mom always dominated conversations talking about her own experiences. I was a flat, one dimensional character meant to reflect well on them and be present to absorb and cushion my mom's emotional whims. Being able to approach people and ask questions is the one skill I feel like I still don't have...it almost feels like that part of my brain is just missing.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Thanks for sharing! Sending you encouragement :) -Calista@TeamFairy

[@TejubescDM]

We are in this together. I have problem with asking people questions bc I was emotionally neglected for 20 years. I know how to be be empathetic and showing people interests, but when it comes to actual interaction, I subconsciously repeat the behavior that was presented to me. I know it's not the authentic me, but the voice inside my head tells me it's creepy and unnatural to talk to people.

[@katierojas8066]

And some people think I talk too much.

[@meza189]

This is exactly how I feel! I need help man, I'm 28

[@Gracie.Gardener]

My journey out of social awkwardness has been long and sometimes lonely. I’ve often wondered if I was on the spectrum. I still struggle in large groups but now I shine when I am one on one. My growth mostly resulted from repeatedly putting myself out there by practicing social niceties when it didn’t really matter (like at the grocery store).

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Thanks for sharing! -Calista@TeamFairy

[@-LACE-]

Wow, I cannot explain how much this helped me. Awkwardness is so isolating. Makes you feel like a bad person sometimes. Thank you.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Thanks for watching! So glad you're here :) -Calista@TeamFairy

[@SportsFan838]

How does Awkwardness make you a bad guy? That just makes me feel even more guilty then before

[@peach411]

I have an unevenness about social awkwardness. Sometimes I’m up to pretending and sometimes I’m not. But thanks for acknowledging this exists, I realized from the age of 9-15 my parents were in the throes of severe drug addiction and my home life fell apart. No food,no Plumbing stopped going to school. Didn’t have clothes that fit me. Took me years to realize how deeply it affected me.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you're here :) -Calista@TeamFairy

[@moniquemichelle7295]

You need to be on the National stage. I speak that into existence for you. People are suffering and have no idea why and you make it all make sense. Keep up the great work.

[@ddteevee]

❤ especially after the last ten or so years !

[@winxclubstellamusa]

Imagine being neurodivergent (real ADHD and dyslexia) and raised by narcissists. There was never any place of safety, empathy, and understanding for me, which my narcissist family only used as ammunition to keep scapegoating and vilifying me, because why couldn’t I have any friends if I wasn’t the absolute and only problem regardless of where I was and what I said or did? I was never able to make friends even in preschool, regard of how hard I tried, and I tried EXTREMELY hard for the shameful majority of my life. I have only recently understood and accepted that this is because of how my consistent mannerisms and nature are so bizzare to people, they love to assume is because I’m lying or playing a character, and I can’t be seen as anything but the “manic pixie dream girl” to people, a term I only recently learned is used to explain how neurotypicals see and simplify us neurodivergent women, who is always used for how empathetic, stimulating, and entertaining she is, until people get overwhelmed or aghast at how I need some of the love and attention I give back. We are also doomed to always be mistrusted and misunderstood because of our mannerisms like our need to stim, how we can’t hold normal eye contact and our eyes move extremely fast and bounce all over, and when we get sensorially overwhelmed. People equate all of those things with lying, or make up reasons for why I’m fidgeting and swaying. It is all completely unfair. Those of us with real ADHD have sensory and auditory processing disorders just like autists. Except our brains are wired in hyperactive zigzags (since birth and regardless of mood), and our senses, empathy, and emotions are extremely heightened as well. People love to accuse our very real emotions as being fake, the pain of those innumerable and unavoidable accusations and misunderstandings is just too much to bare. I’ve been actually a lot safer not trying to make friends anymore. I know my place in the world, and the threshold that I am not made to cross. My future boyfriend will be my only friend, and I’m completely ok with that. I’ve done an extreme and literally life saving amount of healing in these 8 years that I have not talked to anyone, and no one has reached out to me.

[@xLiLlyx98]

Do you think you could be friends with other neurodivergent people that might get you? Not saying that you need to, of course, if this works for you then that's amazing. But idk, trying to connect with nd people in your area, perhaps online first, seems like a safe way to meet some people that are better suited for you :)

[@designchik]

Wow, another painfully relatable video, Anna. I learned good manners as a kid because my alcoholic father was very strict. But what I didn’t learn was how to be a friend. I stumbled along in life, making friends along the way by drinking for liquid courage and being what people wanted me to be. I was a chameleon. When I could no longer do that, I stopped trying to make friends. I was diagnosed with BPD in my early 40s and have been trying to build an authentic self since then. I still struggle with social awkwardness and end up babbling when a conversation lags. It’s kind of funny in a way because I can see people’s expressions turn to confusion as I continue speaking. Of course, then I beat myself up for days and vow not to do that next time, but I always do. I’m watching your videos and I even became a member a few months back, but I’m procrastinating and am only halfway through the first course. I don’t know why I won’t put in more effort; perhaps fear is holding me back. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’re doing. I don’t know what I would do without this channel. ❤

[@a.w.3772]

Your experience is super relatable!

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

We understand! Fear could certainly be holding you back, the Daily Practice may help alleviate some of those emotions :) -Calista@TeamFairy

[@joysachs9032]

Mmmm.... being an Introvert AND having CPTSD is not a good mix!! 😕

[@katierojas8066]

I’ve been told I talk too much in situations. I have CPTSD and ADHD.

[@ExNihilo634]

You’re the best! Thank you for surviving your own trauma and thank you for dedicating your life to helping all of us.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Such kind words. Thanks for the support. - Ashley, Team Fairy

[@kelliesmith4068]

I have a neighbor who I like. She's kind & friendly, but when she is with ANYbody, she talks incessantly. When I respond to her questions she will listen for 5-10 seconds & then begins talking incessantly again. Recently, when she starts hi-jacking the convo, tell her I wasn't finished with what I wanted to say & she'll act as though she feels shamed. But when I finish she's talking incessantly again. Since I started establishing this boundary, she no longer talks with me. She's still nice, but doesn't attempt to visit anymore. I guess that's a blessing though because I do not enjoy when people monopolize a conversation. She is totally oblivious to her behavior, which seems so strange to me because I always make sure conversation is a mutually shared interaction. It's sad cuz I really like her, but it's never enjoyable to be a one-sided relationship or conversation. When she's with her husband & she starts monopolizing any conversation, his eyes & facial expression glaze over. But they've been married 35 yrs now, so to each their own.

[@VioletEmerald]

She sounds like she has a lot of her own CPTSD or some other similar reason to be so socially awkward herself.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

People like this baffle me as well but they really don't seem able to help it. -Cara@TeamFairy

[@thecommonsensecapricorn]

I had a friend who taught me how to give hugs in middle school. My immediate family spanning to my extended are notoriously detached and nonaffectionate. My aunt and uncle don’t even tell us they love us. My sisters are still extremely uncomfortable with affection but I have to thank that friend of mine. She never forced it, but leading by example helped me learn how to express the love I felt inside. Now I’m a big hugger. Always gonna be a tad socially awkward but honestly I think it adds to my uniqueness

[@monamai8660]

How to develop Social Grace. Some guiding principles for connections with others. 1. Be gentle with people - Remember they may be as sensitive as you are. 2. Be trustworthy - People need to feel safe to grow Closer to you or anyone. 3. Be humble - Help others feel your respect for them by paying attention 50% on what they say and 50% of how they are feeling. Thanks for sharing!

[@Lauren-vw3cn]

It's been EXTREMELY hard for me to adjust to the workplace as a manager, because having to deal with people and talk getting projects going and being a supervisor is so daunting due to my social awkwardness.

[@angieang26]

Why are you in a extroverted profession then.

[@Lauren-vw3cn]

@@angieang26 you get what you can nowadays *shrugs*

[@RandomJe-oy5ct]

@@angieang26Introverts make great managers. You’re assuming introversion and social awkwardness aren’t mutually exclusive.

[@lugosi7308]

My 20s and 30s was filled with long stretches of isolation. I would wake up leave the house cause I wanted to be somewhere humans was not. I spend hours in abandoned buildings feeling a weird sense of relief cause I wasn't in front of what I perceived as judgemental potentially violent people. Now that I'm older oh boy am I know facing the repercussions of those actions

[@thecommonsensecapricorn]

I’ve also learned all my social skills from observing others. That’s how my mind works in general. I watch and assess. This gets positive feedback, this doesn’t. That’s super useful.

[@kobra4422]

As a child up to 7 yo I was very talkative and social. Later I've experienced bullying at school that gave me social anxiety. I sometimes wonder why is it so easily for others to get new friends, date or make small talk. It's because they feel comfortable and I am always tense and other people see my fear of rejection as not being interested. There's lot of advice for women online that makes social awkardness worse, like play non interested, never talk first. It's awful advice for people with PTSD who already avoid any interactions and unwillingly make others feel unwanted.

[@kikilala3430]

Your comment make me tear up a little.. Remembering I had that similar past childhood, I used to be a very outspoken kid... But now I don't trust anyone.

[@cassieblessed6430]

I can relate. I was bullied once about a physical feature of mind when I was in the 7th grade and I have never been the same ever since. It saddens me that I have allowed that experience to have such a profound impact on me especially when I hear others experiences that was much worse.

[@w8what575]

I remember back in my 20s I was hired as the administrative assistant for materials management director…she was such an interesting woman and we got along wonderfully..she taught me a lot and protected me from the bullying at work…we were walking to cafeteria one day and she was telling me she was leaving, which upset me but I hid it somewhat…there was another directors position open and also a teaching position at the college I was attending…I told her she would be awesome as an instructor and she said she didn’t have a bachelors degree so couldn’t apply for that position…I looked at her surprised and said oh…I truly would have guessed she had a masters degree with her ability to do her job and manage people! I thought oh God! I just insulted her! And felt myself shrink in embarrassment…however I later learned she took that as a huge compliment! That experience helped me learn so much…looking at things from other angles etc…she really helped me see what I really am capable of…and that I’m extremely smart and an excellent worker…I always thought I can do better because that’s what I’ve always been told…I’d get straight As in school but was always told I can do better like it wasn’t good enough…I wish there was a way to erase old programming so it was easier to learn new programming for our minds…my awkwardness does keep me isolated and makes people think they can take advantage of me without consequences…

[@lovearttherapyalways]

I find myself often feeling socially awkward around women because I was ostracized so much most of my life by other women. I am a slim 5 foot ten inch woman that seems to get tons of male attention for some reason and when other women pick up on that they hate me. This makes me very nervous around women and often I have received snide or sarcastic remarks by women and I freeze and thing later what I should have said. I am older and still like this and I find myself getting really frustrated with myself and feeling so naive and dumb because I keep trusting people, who turn on me and than do the subtle put down thing or snide remarks as I said. I isolate alot because of it and I also feel sad and very isolated at times. I still have difficulty knowing how to act around jealous women.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

You should come hang out with us in Crappy Childhood Fairy land :) -Cara@TeamFairy

[@elissacollins1898]

This is my issue too.Its really sad that women are so insecure in that regard .I often hang out with my husband and his friends and no awkwardness at all BUT women hmm..

[@kobra4422]

Agree. Women are so hateful to each other. It's all patriarchy conditioning. I feel If I don't make myself small, other women will destroy me. Especially if you are an empath, you feel that pressure to stay small, where another woman with "bit** attitude" wouldn't care about the hate.

[@kareno7848]

I recommend reading all of Judith Martin's etiquette books.

[@lovearttherapyalways]

@@kobra4422 exactly!

[@bumblebee_ms]

I'm not secretly socially awkward, it's quite well known that I am. I'm on my healing journey to fix it.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Glad to have you here! -Cara@TeamFairy

[@bumblebee_ms]

@@CrappyChildhoodFairy Thanks and glad for these videos.

[@malleriemakesmusic]

I’ve literally spent the past 2 days looking up videos about social skills when you have social anxiety, and then you post this 🤯 my mom had me convinced for the past 10 years that I was autistic, only to find out last month that she misunderstood the paperwork and I was never actually diagnosed. I’ve become extremely awkward and paranoid of how I come off to people bc her and my partner of 7 years have always told me “how autistic you’re being” as though it’s an insult, and told me that I had pushed people away or ruined social situations that I found out later I hadn’t. I don’t even know what to think of myself anymore 🙃 it’s so confusing

[@armeegetton]

I'm so sorry you have been talked to like that, whether u r autistic or not, its not something anybody should use as an insult or to judge u. I imagine they're not making your anxiety any better by saying things like that, and they probably don't even realize it. It sounds like you've got a good head on ur shoulders, trying to find some answers yourself. Live ur life how u feel is right, even if it doesn't turn out just how u want, atleast you'll be doing it for you

[@reegee2729]

😮‍💨

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Wow, that is loaded! I'm glad you're here sorting it all out :) -Cara@TeamFairy

[@proudscorpio46]

Wow that’s nothing short of evil… literally lying and conditioning you to feel like a screw up when you were completely fine. I would stay away from these people at all costs.

[@h_llama]

Team Fairy, are y’all stalking me? I just got home from my first job feeling consumed by shame for being so awkward. Thanks so much for everything you do.

[@di3486]

I have improved in many ways but I think I will always be awkward. I was the nerd, ugly looking girl with various health issues that was chronically lonely. I realized that this is just part of who I am and I have to accept my awkwardness.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

There's freedom on owning our awkward selves :) -Cara@TeamFairy

[@di3486]

@@CrappyChildhoodFairy Yes!❤️

[@emmadilemma3602]

My problem is that I was told how to do things in a particular way and shamed if I didn't. Now in middle age I'm discovering I can give myself permission to do things my way, although the criticism is still there. It's a fight with myself as I've been conditioned.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Thanks for sharing! Sending you encouragement :) -Calista@TeamFairy

[@marvinbone1379]

Thank you, CCFairy. This was terrific and very enlightening. Your delivery is also, very calming. The double-whammy, is the overbearing and abusive narcissistic parent paired up with the other parent who chooses to tune out and ignore all family dynamics, to avoid upsetting the cruel spouse. My siblings and I are senior citizens. But, STILL terrified by our very elderly "parent". Unfortunately, I decided early on, that marijuana and promiscuity were available panaceas. Thousands and thousands of dollars, up in smoke. And HIV+ to boot. The other siblings had the good sense to stay sober and move to Europe.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Thank you for sharing! -Cara@TeamFairy

[@auntihooha]

I love that you watched others to find out how to be socially acceptable-- I did that, but not until I was 55 years old and after having dumped my toxic family. I watched women with their children; women that saw their children as human beings, not just something to dress up and control. I learned from loving young women--and men--and I should probably let them know how much their BEING helped me figure out how to BE. Irene: you and Ichabod are number 1 always.

[@jdrichardson6865]

The person who mentioned poverty hit one of the links in the chain, but I'm not sure CPTSD is quite applicable to being socially disadvantaged in the way she is describing. We were very poor in a middle class area and i quickly realised that due to that I was a social pariah at school - poor clothes, parents who smoked so my clothes smelt, absentee father due to alcoholism & mother having to work 3 or 4 menial jobs to keep us in food and clothes - the unconscious signals the more advantaged children gave were that I wasn't as good as them and the resulting exclusion has haunted me through life and I still get it. People who have close supportive families and friends - it's like looking through a window from the cold outside. And the only thing you can do is pretend it doesn't matter, that you're strong enough to take it, and no-one seems to get why some people like me are socially awkward. Basically, people are very shallow, very enmeshed in social snobbery & the kids in the schoolyard are only the start. Most people enforce a sense of group dynamic by finding someone to exclude, awful truth that it is. Children do this and it is something they never learn to override - to them some people will be 'normal' (belong) and others outsiders it's OK to ignore or persecute by advertising them as not acceptable to the group.

[@allieharmon3926]

Sometimes I wonder if I am also one of those people that's beyond saving. Whose healing is the Mt.Everest of tasks not bc my life was or is harder than most people's, it's DEFINITELY not. But, just that I'm not "good" like other people. I'm extremely compulsive in all my actions. No matter how much I reflect all I can do is act on compulsion. It's as if I have been denied so much I give myself whatever I want when I can. Sometimes I just feel broken. And there's no technique or meds to save me. Ik some people just stay broken. They I don't think are the ones that comment a lot. It's lonely

[@jessicaferguson4072]

Hang in there friend. ❤

[@aparkify]

I have been called "shy", "awkward", "weird" (and god knows what else) more times than i can count in my 49 years. What do people think they are achieving by pointing this out?! Just say nothing ffs.

[@GLOWUPGIRLLLY]

😢so true

[@ovidiudrobota2182]

I realized I'm a shame-based person --- toxic shame that is, which gets triggered when I interact with people. I'm painfully self-conscious around them. I can't seem to connect with them, and when I'm trying to have a conversation, I can't be myself; words don't come out naturally, so I have to force myself to come up with something to say about what they say, but it's so difficult and exhausting. I'm so uncomfortable in social situations, and I don't understand why. I'm also socially anxious and awkward. When I meet new people, my heart beats so fast, and it feels like I'm in survival mode; flight or fight. They get so awkward around me --- my presence makes them so uncomfortable. They can sense I'm not comfortable in my own skin.

[@a.w.3772]

Since trauma survivors are likely the majority of the population, being socially Unawkward is likely the oddball situation. Socially fluid people could just be great actors!

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

ha! Maybe so :) -Cara@TeamFairy

[@passaggioalivello]

That's why my level 2 autism was overlooked. Symptoms can overlap each other.

[@M-i-k-a-e-l]

Not true in most cases. On the contrary, it is often a sure sign of health in a world gone bonkers by design of the rulers.

[@rl3293]

Your voice is very soothing. As well as your solid advice. Thank you for being so calming and passionate.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Thanks for watching! -Calista@TeamFairy

[@hana.9271]

The timing again, I fell into a bad episode this weekend. I couldn’t work today because of my anxiety / eczema. I went for drinks Friday my coworker convinced me I didn’t even want to go but of course I had the fear of missing out and wanted to release some tension, it was so awkward. My appearance has gone down hill over the years I’m insecure and the more the voice in my head gets louder the more awkward I am, I keep thinking god they hate me I’d rather die than make them feel uncomfortable and yet I did. When you hate yourself so much it makes other people around you feel it. I want connection but I feel so alien and no one understands me even though they suffer mentally as well I dunno I’m going through a lot always it feels like I think I need to be left alone to get better. I think it especially hurts when I once for a brief time felt good about the way I looked and I lost that, although looking back I was still deeply insecure. I think my low self esteem is justified cause I’m so ugly, I know it’s wrong to think that way. Sorry for the rant

[@a.w.3772]

You probably look better than what your mind is telling you. We can be overly critical of ourselves at times.

[@jewelsbarbie]

I can relate to so much of what you shared. It really is hard. You’re not alone in how you are feeling. I hope you will continue to pursue healing; remember to be gentle with yourself. Sending you lots of love. ❤

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Awww come hang out with us in Crappy Childhood Fairy Land. We have meet ups on zoom every day! -Cara@TeamFairy

[@spookykitty1912]

I have just discovered your channel. Wow, you nail it! I've watched several of your videos now. You understand and communicate precisely the thing that we experience. I feel so understood. I did therapy and that was not my answer. Thank you so much for this content! I'm in my 40's and I've never heard these things articulated exactly this way. Disregulated emotions, every single thing you talk about. Thank you!!! You're helping me.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Welcome to the channel. Grateful you're here. - Ashley, Team Fairy

[@ramblingRJ]

I'm trying to connect with others, starting with my CoDA support group. It's only twice a week, but it's a start.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

It is a great start! -Cara@TeamFairy

[@Khem_RA]

“We get weird”. I understand what that means but I feel judged when I hear that phrase. Been describe that way too many times

[@FormerHuman.]

That bit about learning how to use utensils in an appropriate way was really interesting! I hadn’t connected that to my CPTSD. But I have memories of being shamed and ostracized by the family for struggling to use a knife and fork together at restaurants and feeling completely mortified. Just hearing you acknowledge that aspect of neglect has done a lot to help me ease up on myself for having taken so long to figure out things like that along with other tendencies that have been misconstrued as rude or inappropriate as I try to navigate socializing.

[@jimmymiller9230]

You are a Angel in disguise. Indeed a very beautiful person. I've watched/listened to you videos and you have no idea how CPSD has done to me. I'm not even 50 and it destroyed my life and don't have much longer to live because of it. I will die with CPTSD winning.

[@a.w.3772]

I'm sorry to hear you don't have much longer to live. I hope things turn around for you. I hope Anna's kindness and caring in these videos help to soothe your pain.

[@OCDandme123]

Please talk don't go are you okay...

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

I'm sorry you're feeling so hopeless, please keep hanging around. -Cara@TeamFairy

[@deusahecate978]

I felt and done all the things you said you did in your childhood and teenage years. My parents didn't have a drog or alcohol problem, though they just were too addicted to work... Our brain can be so amazing and stupid at the same time. Thank you for the tips! ❤

[@thoughts0utloud]

It's so debilitating. Isolation is way I can control the pain associated with my social awkwardness. If I interact with others and it doesn't go well, I can't stop thinking about it thereafter, to the point of needing to use substances to calm my brain. If I don't interact with others, I avoid all that.

[@Coco-xq7zh]

I felt that

[@katiekane5247]

Any escalation of perceived challenge by my alcoholic parents could really go south. We sat at the table as if it was the sole proof we were "normal & nice" people. Especially there, any deviation from acceptable behavior was certainly punished. I still prefer to eat standing up by myself. It's at least something my family understands now. Baby steps!

[@lauram10x96]

What if I’m socially awkward, but don’t feel like I’ve had any traumas to justify it? I feel like I’ve always been quite a shy person, but the older I get I feel it’s worse in social settings. The occasional person I feel comfortable talking with and the convo is easy, but majority of the time I struggle to keep the conversion up and when it ends I feel awkward in the silence because I didn’t know what to say next, and I think people feel awkward around me because of it. Other people find it so easy to be super chatty or have witty banter but I struggle, I think overthink it a lot. I can have eye contact but I usually end up looking around the room in breaks because it makes me feel awkward sometimes. I’ve never been tested or diagnosed with any anxiety disorders or autism or anything, but I often feel like maybe I am on the spectrum.

[@susiflorence6960]

My N dad made me that way during my teen years. But after leaving home.at age 21..I began discovering I really was rather social..and developed those social skills....I'm an ESL teacher now. That helps a lot.

[@RoseDances]

I feel like it’s okay to be awkward too. I think self acceptance of not being socially perfect is good. I think being genuine and open is best. I don’t think people care if we are socially exceptional.

[@neutralbeige01]

can't tell if im "socially awkward" or undiagnosed autistic but i think my cptsd has a correlation to my experiences with social interactions and struggles with making lasting relationships, and i find in my research that i extremely relate to a LOT of what is said about the autistic experience especially for what is said about autistic adults, and that includes those "socially awkward" events aka my inability or great difficulty to read social cues, staring too much or inability to make eye contact at all, masking, etc but ofc this isnt to say trauma is a cause of autism because that is not true whatsoever

[@Allthingscheri]

Im like this at work - always. I never knew why. It’s painful. I almost vomit my life on people and tell too much of my business to my supervisor. I like your hair like this Anna! 😊

[@redwoods7370]

I'm socially awkward to push people away and avoid them getting too close or asking me to do something for them.

[@summertime9963]

I bump into things randomly and get price tags stuck to my bag somehow. So yes..yes I am.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

I'm like that too :) -Cara@TeamFairy

[@glenbateman5960]

I'm not socially awkward. I'm just socially disconnected. I'm the guy who will accept an invitation to a party because I don't want to be rude, then spend 9/10ths of the evening out on the patio playing with the dog, with neither of us ever feeling the least bit awkward. It's a gift.

[@galecloutier7233]

My parents and siblings came to this country two years before I was born. We didn’t have any family or many friends to interact with. My parents were over 40 and their friends were older with grown children. I spent most of my time interacting with my older siblings. When I started interacting with kid my age was when I started school. Most, if not all the kids found me odd. I was teased by classmates and siblings. My brother was the worst when interacting with me. I don’t trust people. To this day I only have my daughter to talk with and she is married and lives 2000 miles away. There is more but would like to know what your opinion is in situations like mine.

[@Elegant_Sausage]

I'm new here and maybe it's been mentioned before, but a lot of what you say can be applied to the disastrous Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms I experience. I went through a very violent and neglectful childhood and have also been diagnosed with CPTSD. So far the things I have learned from you are helping me understand myself way more than therapy ever did. I know I'll be sticking around and following your advice. I can not thank you enough for being who you are and for sharing your wisdom with people like me.

[@filippersson5256]

Since traumasurvivors obviously are among the strongest mentally, maybe how they work should be the norm. Rather than an individual who had easy goings.👋We are wide open and empathic. They are not.

[@waggawaggaful]

My most recent boss (before I quit and started working for myself) was an alcoholic who verbally abused me almost daily. His wife was always uploading idyllic pictures of the highlight reels from their life on the internet, desperate to convince her friends (and herself) that her life was enviable. I heard him bully one of his sons with an overtone of violence once and it deeply unsettled me. They are about to be in college and free of him, though. They turned out well and are both going to college on scholarships. They are lucky to have turned out so well. Anna, you turned out great as well!!! Thanks for all the hard work you do.

[@m.d.sharpe8892]

Idk man nobody seems to like me at all. Thought it was my dress, changed that, thought it was my hairstyle, changed that, thought it was the way I walked, changed that, thought i didnt smile enough or was mean mugging unconsciously so I made conscious efforts to change all of that. Nothing changed really, I cant get passed the "acquaintance" phase of anyone I end up meeting, people seem uneasy or nevous, like I give off creepy vibes or something. They dont even look me in the eye lmao idk what the hell to do but its just exhausting cause im tired of feeling ostracized

[@tammystanage9637]

Actually I have Embraced it, but I have done a fair amount of inner healing. 😊

[@blinkypushbuttons]

I'm not socially awkward. I'm a glitch in the simulation.

[@lucymorey93]

Dear Anna, The things you say have things I can actually do described! Nobody ever told me the things you make so easy..

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Glad the video was helpful! -Calista@TeamFairy

[@sarvin_green]

All my childhood my family were dealing with poverty and they neglected us kids, it was painful to always be limited because of lack of money, we lost everything even our own parents, they were never there I had to resolve all my problems on my own because there was always something more important than me in the family I didn't realize how fucked up I am until left home to college, and things are not going well here in college I couldn't get connect with people I have no friends and no boyfriends

[@kathynicolini5468]

Thank you 🙏 for being here.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Thank YOU for being here too! -Cara@TeamFairy

[@lez4630]

I don’t talk to anyone I don’t have friends or bonds, I used to but I did isolate myself In my own solitude for years. It was to stressful to even text people back. I’m so awkward and I can’t have a full convo with someone. I thought no one would understand me

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

We completely understand! You're in the right place :) -Calista@TeamFairy

[@sallyhenrie8150]

Be gentle, trustworthy, and humble.

[@sentienthemp8375]

Somehow you always find just the right video topic to post at just the right time. I've been struggling so much with social interaction in my new job so I really needed to hear this. Thank you for magically timing the exact stuff I needed to hear!

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Happy to help! -Cara@TeamFairy

[@kareno7848]

Read all of Judith Martin's etiquette books. Seriously. She shows you how to interact and what to say.

[@SweetUniverse]

When your parents are alcoholics or drug addicts they might not teach you things - or anything at all. Mine didn't. They paid almost no attention to me.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Glad you are here! -Cara@TeamFairy

[@carolyn683]

I kept chuckling all evening about how awkward my husband and i were when we had company over yesterday. For some reason I found it so funny. At least I'm not crying about it 😊

[@littleninnie]

Oh god, yes and it's sooo painful😢🤧😭

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

It is, but you're not alone! Glad you're here :) -Calista@TeamFairy

[@aquarels]

This is good. Thank you so much. I have not been gentle and I have not been humble although I always thought of myself as a humble person. The truth is I’ve built up a wall to not get into awkward situations as much and did that by being arrogant and definitely not gentle. And I realise now that I chose to come across as not a nice person over people thinking I’m low confidence and awkward. So then I beat myself up for being not liked and people avoid me. And what is really profound is to realise that those traits first start with being all that to yourself first. I’ve not been gentle with myself at all. I really believe your video has helped me tremendously. You’d think being an adult you would know to be gentle and humble but as it turns out it has not been self evident. I now believe I can truly work on my awkwardness. I didn’t think I can change that, but I think it’s actually quite possible. I thought I have to go back to my childhood and pinpoint out the instances that made me this way. Maybe that’s not necessary. I am looking forward to implementing these personality traits in my day to day going forward ❤

[@Akanchwua]

Abuse made me really ashamed of using my voice so I find it really hard to speak in groups or if there are a few people present..I find it really triggering and then I literally can’t speak :( I wonder if you’d be able to talk about this in a video? I think it’s called selective mutism but I’m not sure. Once I haven’t spoken for a minute or two it becomes involuntary and no matter how hard I try words won’t come out💔

[@Rogelio_007]

I have childhood PTSD. Thanks for posting this. I didn't realize social awkwardness was related to it.

[@Africanbeautyy93]

It is SO a trauma thing, thank you for this!

[@adriansteele7023]

So....I've always felt a massive amount of shame because I frequently have awkward situations...and I thought it's just because I'm weird, and people could tell, so i prefer to be alone because theres less chance of feeling shame from another awkward situation. Now I'm guessing I had some kind of childhood trauma?? Couldn't it just be I'm too sensitive to awkwardness

[@loganpetra8397]

So strangley. I was able to be extremely confident when I was younger. I'm lretty sure i just was super arrogant. But I never experienced the low self esteem until about 15.

[@64imma]

When i was growing up, i feel that i had received almost overwhelmingly negative feedback from social situations. I would be bullied at school, excluded from most social circles, and all of that seemed to get worse the more i tried opening up with people. To make it worse, it felt like a lot of times, the people who did hang out with me often did it out of pity. To make things worse, i hated living at home as a teenager with divorced parents who seemed consumed with their own egos too much to have a genuine connection with me. As an adult, i still have social anxiety, which makes it difficult to form new relationships with people. That's partially why i live alone. I wish life didn't have to be that way, because i know there are a lot of positive qualities i can bring.

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

You are in the right place to work on your social life! Check out the description section below the video. Anna shared links to courses that you might find interesting. Nika@TeamFairy

[@oc2538]

I used to read books to get myself to socialize. My husband is too social but he makes many mistakes and when I call him out he does not get it. For instance, I offer a drink to a guest but my husband will pick up the cup once placed on the table. Or he will flat out tell a woman "you gained weight" 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ he says she's my friend. Meanwhile when one of our friends wife told my husband he's getting a belly and jiggled his tummy I was MORTIFIED! But my husband found it funny. I told him it was inappropriate, what does he do he tells the couple I was upset. She made fun of my husband Infront of another 6 people. I just felt it was inappropriate. In the end the wife confronted me and told me it was joke and I need to relax. I swear one of us or both must have some undiagnosed disorder.

[@joshuabuchanan1141]

Just wow

[@alexoxo1]

I still can’t walk normally in my own home because I feel constantly judged all eyes on me.

[@sObad367]

I hope it gets better for you!

[@jc3858]

I literally have no social life. I try to change and when it’s too much it’s like you’re asking me to go into a gladiator arena about to fight a lion with a hammer. How did I end up like this when I was doing acting as a teenager and very popular? I literally have no social life and don’t do anything.

[@vd41091]

I'm in the same position. I'm guessing you also don't have many friends or any at all?

[@joduffy6851]

I cannot express how much I appreciate you. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@ASHLEYSHELLMAN-r4k]

I was given consistent dicipline, I was not neglected, I was not ignored at home. I came from a loving loud Italian family. I could be myself at home but not at school. I was socially awkward at school, I was ostracized by peers, I was told I was pretty, I did have very long hair, and I was very quiet at school. My clothes were not on trend and sometimes they were thrifted. My mom did not allow me to choose what I wanted to wear or cut my hair and those were problems for me at school. Classmates bullied me by talking behind my back and ignoring my existence altogether.

[@fourplay8374]

Ive had a very sheltered upbringing (to a point it could be considered overly sheltered upbringing). Ive been socially awkward all my life (because of the feeling of being considered 'boring' because Im not quick witted, also I might have issues related to my own image/appearance). Ive gotten more comfortable with accepting who I am rather than forcing to be someone Im not. However that doesnt really help with social anxiety or awkwardness. I dont know how to deal with it, alcohol definitely helps alleviate some inhibitions but I dont wanna make it a necessity for myself to be intoxicated to avoid nerves in social situations. I dont know how to improve it, some people say do more public speaking (but that's my biggest irrational fear)

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

Calming triggers can make it easier to connect and socialize. Anna’s course Connection Bootcamp is one resource for that: bit.ly/CCF_Connection. Also, Daily Practice is a great way to process fears and resentment. You can try it free here: bit.ly/CCF_DailyPractice Nika@TeamFairy

[@sheilaabrahams1322]

I had no role models for normal social skills growing up. As a young adult, I figured maybe I should consider their behavior and do the opposite. It helped a little but still socially awkward.

[@janaplchova9778]

Yes, I’m socially awkward. 😢

[@CrappyChildhoodFairy]

You're in good company! -Cara@TeamFairy