I have some pretty bad anxiety. It’s mostly managed through medication, but it’s still really bad in regards of one thing: upsetting someone. 

That being said, it makes it really, really hard bringing up something that may upset people. If someone insults me, I tend to clam up and I can’t find myself saying “that’s mean” because I keep thinking: what if they’re joking? What if now they’re upset? What if I just killed the mood for anyone else around?

That being said, I’m trying to work on it. It’s easier in the exact situation (the other day I told someone they were being abrasive!!) but especially once I shut down, it’s really difficult. 

Any advice?