I’ve always been an extrovert by nature and found it easy to talk to most people. I’ve kissed the Blarney Stone. I’m usually at ease in groups of people, even when I don’t know anyone.

But lately, that’s changed.

Venturing out into gatherings or into offices is anxiety-inducing. In-person exchanges are exhausting and filled with awkward pauses. I find myself saying the wrong thing, feeling at a loss for words, and generally being awkward in social situations. The easy conversational cadence that used to come naturally seems stuck in park.

I’m afraid I’ve become socially awkward.

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