Ptsd- Anxiety Meeting Someone

[Ikiwo]

I've been talking on the phone and skyping/texting a guy for a bit over a month. We talk for hours each day. I know I really do want to meet him. He travels a lot for work and just happens to maybe be in a close to me town tomorrow.

Now I'm terrified. What if he doesn't like me in person? I know this isn't directly PTSD related, but my low self worth and social anxiety is.

How can I be so comfortable on the phone, but be so scared to meet in person? I don't think I'll ever be "normal" and that's ok. But I REALLY wish I didn't think I was garbage.

 

[Botu]

One possibility is that he won't like you in person. It's also possible you won't like him. Lots of things are possible. But, since you asked the question, what if he doesn't like you and want to move forward with the relationship? Seriously. We tend to go from there to catastrophe. That's not really what it means, is it? Chances are he'll be nervous to. Remember, you have choices to make here too. You aren't on trial, you don't have to perform. You just have to be "you" and see how that works. (Have fun.)

 

[Alul]

We tend to go from there to catastrophe.

I drag a lot of the past into current interactions. It helps to see that what I'm feeling isn't always about today. Normal people are nervous meeting someone new. PTSD means not only are you nervous, but you are also triggered, flashing back, getting emotionally flooded, and intruded upon by those ugly memories.

 

[Tisam]

Please make sure you meet this person in a public place. If something feels 'off', please follow your gut and act accordingly.

 

[Anononon]

What if you don't like him? That's part of meeting people! :D