In this episode, Ava unpacks social anxiety through the lens of fear of evaluation, where the dread of judgment sparks spiraling thoughts and avoidance behaviors that only amplify the worry over time. She explains how skipping interactions prevents the mind from gathering evidence that most people aren't scrutinizing us harshly, then offers practical ways to interrupt the cycle with small, repeatable exposures like greeting a neighbor or adding a comment in a group chat. These steps build tolerance gradually without overwhelming leaps, helping the tension ease through real-world proof that worst-case scenarios rarely happen.

Key takeaways:
- Fear of judgment often fuels avoidance, strengthening anxiety by denying corrective experiences.
- Starting tiny—such as consistent daily greetings with eye contact—interrupts the loop effectively.
- Tracking avoided moments and varying situations builds momentum toward bigger social steps over time.💛 Join Our Supporters Club 💛 Help keep these vital conversations alive—Click Here: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

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