5 Strategies to Overcome Social Phobia (社交恐惧)

Social phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear in social situations. People with social phobia feel paralyzing fear when other people are around, as well as nervousness, anguish, or shyness. As we can see, social phobia is very uncomfortable and limiting for the person who suffers from it, so we must differentiate it from shyness. 【小题1】

Learn to relax. People with social phobia often have what is known as anticipatory anxiety. 【小题2】 For this we have to learn to relax instead of anticipating the fear of the future situation.

Look for social situations. 【小题3】 If we try to relate outside of our usual circle or look for small situations that require a small interaction, we will see how little by little we will feel more comfortable in them. In this way, when a social event arrives that we want to attend or participate in, we will be better able to be comfortable in it.

Make sure your imagination does not betray you. 【小题4】 In the vast majority of cases you are afraid of things that have not happened or are not happening. We have to be especially careful what we think others may be thinking of us.

Be yourself. Social phobia is due, in part, to the conviction that we have to be what is expected of us, in giving a perfect image. 【小题5】 So we do not have to focus so much on what others may think of us, but on feeling comfortable with ourselves without having to be perfect.

Understanding and appreciating abstract art can be tough if you don't have much experience with art. Don't worry. The following can help you gain an appreciation of abstract artwork enormously.

·Relax as you look at abstract art.

【小题1】, it's best to go to the gallery or view the art when you're in a relaxed mood so that the art affects you in a positive way. Limit distractions around you, like your cellphone, and try to clear your mind of negative or stressful thoughts.

·【小题2】.

Avoid saying things like “Anyone could make that” and dismiss prior opinions you have about the artwork before you actually see it. Try to approach the art with an open mind and don't compare it with other works，especially if it's not in the same style.

·Ask yourself how the painting makes you feel.

Instead of trying to evaluate the technical aspects of the art, ask yourself how the art makes you feel. 【小题3】, it has an emotional impact on you. Do be honest with yourself when determining your real feelings.

·Research the artist's life.

Some galleries have an informational plaque（牌匾）near the artwork that describes the artist. Read the informational plaque next to the artwork. This is a great way to better understand the artist and his mindset when he created the art. Most abstract art tries to express a feeling or emotion like sadness, rage, or happiness. 【小题4】.

·Speak and interact with abstract artists.

If you like, you can find abstract artists in collective studios or at their art shows. 【小题5】, getting their perspective may give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of their works.

Well now, if you still don't get abstract art and can't appreciate it, try to create some artworks yourself. If you don't know where to start, you can look up tutorials online or take a local art class.