My therapist would always close our session with the same statement. He would always say "'Your assignment this week is to go to 1 new place and speak to 1 new stranger".

His main goal for me was to expand my "safe zone". I, unfortunately, have not increased the size of my safe zone in years and today I speak to only 4 people. My mother, the rental agent and the manager of my apt complex and a friend who calls me occasionally.

I wish I could give you a magic solution to the problem, but I can't. All I have is the little piece of advise from my T. Try to "Go to 1 new place and speak to 1 new person".

It is hard, I know. I am there with you in that realm of isolation and uncertainty. I can, however offer "1" little piece of humble advise. Stop caring what other people think. Once I decided to stop caring, I did become less stress and a lot happier. Hey, my montra these days is screw um if they can't take a joke! I really do not care what anyone thinks as long as I am not breaking any laws or causing scenes in public. If they think I'm crazy---well they are right LOL Relax and be yourself. Let the rest of the world worry about themselves. Love ya Grama Herc