I’m actually a very social person, I love talking to people online, in text and at work,  but when someone actually wants to be my friend in real life, like outside of work, during  my free time, on the phone and face-to-face, I feel so scared that my whole body locks up. I feel the need to make excuses or say I’m just way too busy (and will even just tell them I can’t have normal friendships sometimes) I don’t know why this happens...I’ve had negative experiences the same as everyone else, but that doesn’t explain my aversion. I just genuinely feel so protective over my quiet time that I’m afraid and regretful when someone asks me to hang out, like I’m going to need to fall off the face of the earth to hide from them, or I’m going to lose my entire day by going out. Even if I really like that person!

I know this sounds horrible - I don’t want to hurt anyone by telling them how I feel...Does anyone else feel this type of fear with friendships?