Feeling social unconfident right now

Hello!
I’m in a period of deep transformation, it feels like, with my work – sowing new seeds with my freelancing, and the way I promote myself online too.
As a result, I’m feeling quite vulnerable, and struggling in social situations that involve any kind of ‘putting myself out there’ or meeting new people, especially when people ask what I do etc. It feels quite raw! And i’ve had anxiety around money recently. So I find these conversations difficult.
This includes anything to do with dating. I do absolutely want a partner. But, I also recognise that there is some softness and need for self-protection right now, which feels good to honour.
I went on a queer night out with some friends I don’t know as well, and chatted to some girls (but felt all of these feelings – like, this is too much for me right now).
Equally, I would like to have fun! And am conscious of not losing myself in work.
Also: on this night out, I didn’t feel conscious in my outfit, felt aware of some weight gain, and this added to the whole thing…. Of not feeling confident in social situations.
Essentially I think there is a mix of: feeling exposed and vulnerable in my work / feeling conscious of my body / and money worries all coming together to make feel less confident socially right now.
Do you have any tips on handling this? Is it the case that I can just accept: right now, social stuff like this isn’t a priority for me? Is that valid?! But also I didn’t like how unattractive and shy I felt, either… because that didn’t feel good.
I’d love to be feeling as powerful showing up socially again – as I have in the past. But maybe right now it’s ok to be tender with myself.
Thanks so much

 

 

Answer:

 

It sounds like this is a part of you that you’re unfamiliar with. If you approached this part of you with as much love as you approach the part of you that you know to be confident and social, what could you find about it to give love to? What could go RIGHT if you approached this vulnerable feeling version of you with tenderness?