u/Practical_Editor_667

Same as title

One of the cruelest experiences of living with this incurable, understudied, and devastating disorder is realizing that your deepest struggles are just normal, everyday activities for everyone else. It is heartbreaking to struggle with basic things like going out, making friends, standing up for yourself, dating, public speaking, getting married, and having sex. Even tasks like taking photos without feeling hideous or being afraid to post them, ordering food, shopping, and sending voice notes( though I am not sure if other people with AvPD struggle with voice notes, I certainly do ).
Socializing, enjoying attention, or simply walking around without feeling intense discomfort and anxiety become daily hurdles. It means constantly battling deep shame, emptiness, and a hollow feeling, which leaves no room for hobbies or interests. Worst of all, it means relentlessly criticizing every single aspect of your life, leaving you feeling worthless and undeserving every single second.