I did a terrifying social anxiety challenge!

[@mitchellearnshaw5550]

In the past when I was younger, I was faaaar more tanned than I am now (many years in the sun), so I was regularly mistaken as a Maori/New Zealander, given I live in Perth, Australia, and Maori regularly migrate here for work. I remember very clearly the evening I was working as a Bar Staff and a massive New Zealander greeted me and pulled me in for a Hongi... I was absolutely shocked, hahaha! I thought this massive guy was about to kiss me, hahaha! The explanation would have been nice. Seeing you in that very public space, ready to accomplish an incredibly brave task... I felt anxious just watching you... But when it happened, my face lit up with the biggest smile... Good on you! Also, loved hearing 'Alien Weaponry'. Surprised me in amongst the subdued backing track.

[@parakitorakito4454]

Mental health is so important. Just the fact you share it is already a good thing. Because we are men, there is often this social pression to stay strong and be perfect all the time, but the reality is that some of us are just alone and in pain. There are only few people ready to listen to us. What you are doing is in my opinion already a way to change this social barrier. Courage is the ability to face the fear, not to never experience it. So we can say that your video is an act of bravery

[@mindfulpiet]

I agree with you. We should really normalise talking about this. The funny thing is that even KZbin is confused about this behaviour. When you upload a video, it suggests tags automatically. What came up when I did this one was 'homeless'. There just simply isn't data it can train on of men talking about struggling with mental health. Thanks, and hope to see you around on the channel.

[@parakitorakito4454]

Homeless !? Hahaha that's really messed up. Indeed, I think it's too much a taboo, so even the algorithm doesn't have any reference! Anyway I wish you all the best

[@CJJ2501]

Lekker Piet! Die man in Spanje wat dapperder as ek is!

[@mindfulpiet]

@@CJJ2501 Haha, nee, ek is seker jy kan ook lekker hongi!

[@enzasada]

3:20 I can't believe you caught this interaction on camera. Hope they definitely go tomar por culo. Stay strong and thank you for sharing! Also, you have a new follow from a saffa in Asturias! Many people will find, appreciate, and relate to your content on a deeper level than you'd expect!

[@mindfulpiet]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@katswart1302]

But seriously, there much better ways surely to connect with people and overcome loneliness. You don't need to make yourself get used to rejection by inviting it ( like trying to do a hongi when you're not in nz.) not everyone is an extrovert, so what? Find your people, even one or 2 friends is fine and better than none. Clearly, more of a conversation is needed here.

[@mindfulpiet]

Doing the hongi with strangers is not about attempting to become an extrovert. It's about setting a wheel in motion to leave my comfort zone. I have to say, it really feels like it made a positive difference.

[@cyndeebessinger6741]

Have you tried to read the Bible? If not, don't knock it before you try it. There is great wisdom, enormous amount of history and who knows it may lead you somewhere unexpected and fill that void.