Dear Readers,

Today, I want to address a topic that touches me deeply and is an integral part of my daily life: social anxiety. This is something that many people do not fully understand, but it has a significant impact on those of us who experience it.

Social anxiety is not simply an irrational fear of others, nor is it a desire to hide behind a video game screen. It's much more complex than that. For me, it's the result of years of painful experiences and misadventures with social interactions, experiences that have left deep emotional scars.

Imagine each social interaction as a series of challenges, where every step is marked by doubt and fear. It's like being constantly on high alert, expecting the worst in every exchange and every conversation. For me, video games have become a refuge—a place where I can escape from this constant anxiety, where I can feel in control and safe.

It's not that I don't want to interact with others; it's that every interaction represents a mountain to climb. It's as if I have to learn to trust again and connect with others despite the fear and uncertainty that assail me.

Society often simplifies social anxiety by labeling it as shyness or a lack of social skills. But for me, it's much deeper than that. It is a daily struggle to balance the desire for human connection with the need to protect my own mental health.

What I want you to understand is that behind every person who seems to prefer solitude or screens, there is often a story of pain and invisible struggle. It is an attempt to navigate a world where social relationships can be a source of both anguish and joy, and where finding peace can be a challenge.

We all need support, understanding, and empathy. The next time you encounter someone who seems to prefer the company of video games to that of others, I encourage you to look beyond appearances. Listen to their story, offer your support, and remember that every gesture of kindness can make a huge difference in the life of someone struggling with social anxiety.

Thank you for listening today. May we all learn to look beyond the screens and cultivate compassion for those who are simply seeking a little inner peace in this complex and often intimidating world.

Maya