"[S]hy individuals may focus their attention inwards during new social interactions... imped[ing] the attention that should be paid to the social partner."

Pop culture representations belie the seriousness of social anxiety and how it can change the way people lead their lives.

While this is neither the "wokest" show nor a feminist take on dating, the series nails some aspects growing up in a patriarchal society.

"Once socially anxious adults manage to find a romantic partner," their depression determines how they navigate intimacy.

When we internally script conversations, communication becomes confusing at best, and performative at worst.

"Face blindness" is a cognitive disorder that makes it difficult to tell unknown faces apart, and sometimes, faces from objects.

Parties are often a cocktail of social anxiety, sensory overload, and a debilitating pressure to "fit in" for many people.

Resorting to humor activates the endorphin system in the brain, making it easier for people to withstand difficult situations.

"I'm quite happy with my brain, actually."

"It turns out that we're hard-wired to believe that others are staring at us, especially when we're uncertain."

For people with social anxiety, hugging can make it worse.

The cognitive bias occurs because of our inherent ego-centrism -- we tend to believe that others spend more time focusing on our behavior than they actually do.