Social anxiety disorder can cause you to think negative thoughts about yourself when faced with a social situation. You may think "I'll look like a fool" or "I'm going to humiliate myself." The first step to overcoming them is to identify the thoughts when they pop into you head. Knowing what is causing social phobia can help you overcome it. Stop yourself when you think these thoughts and say, "No, I will not look like a fool. I am strong and competent and I'm going to get through this." After you have confronted and identified the thoughts, analyze the fear. Try to overwrite the negative thoughts in your brain with positive, realistic ones. Ask yourself questions about your negative thoughts. For example, ask "Do I know I'm going to humiliate myself" or "How do I know I'm going to blow my presentation?" Then ask yourself, "Will it be the end of the world if I mess up?" The logical answers to the questions are: more than likely, you will not humiliate yourself or mess up. Even if you do mess up, you are human, as is everyone watching you. Even professionals mess up. One unhelpful thing people do when dealing with social fears is make false, unrealistic predictions about the social situation. You can't predict what will happen. If you try, you will only come up with the worst case scenario, which will not be close to a realistic reflection of the actual event. This only causes unnecessary anxiety. Remember that you have the power to change your exaggerated thoughts. For example, if you're going to a wedding, focus on the fact that you won't be the center of attention. Visualize being at the wedding and speaking confidently to others and enjoying yourself. Often times social fears can be a result of thinking that everyone around you is passing judgment on you. If so, take a step back, and realize that most people aren't focused on you. If they are focused on you, they are not thinking the same negative thoughts as you are. Don't try to read people's minds. You can't know what people are thinking. Plus, they do not see the same negative self that you see in your mind. Use social situations to practice changing negative thoughts about yourself, and practice stopping and altering your thoughts about judgement from others. You are not the only person that feels anxiety in social situations. Over 12% of the population has it, and that number is increasing. Understanding this can help put you on the same level as everyone around you. You are not alone in your fears. Also, since everyone feels anxiety from time to time, remembering this can help you realize people won't criticize or judge you if they realize you are anxious. Overcoming your social anxiety won't happen overnight. It takes commitment and lots of practice. You are learning new behaviors, new patterns of thinking, and new social skills. This all takes practice. However, little by little, you will learn these new skills and start being able to overcome or manage your phobia. One of the ways to help reduce your anxiety is to take the focus off of yourself in social situations. Try to pay attention to your surroundings, the conversation, and connecting with the people around you. Begin to understand that although you are focused with how others will think of you, everyone else is not as focused on you. If you say or do something embarrassing, others may not even notice. Or if they do, they will quickly forget it. Try to focus on other things when you notice your physical symptoms in social situations. You are not being as obvious as you think. It is very rare that others can notice physical symptoms of anxiety or even panic attacks. Instead notice your experience of the event, such as music you hear, how each bite of food tastes, or other entertainment such as art or dancing. Most people are just as nervous in social situations as you are. They are too busy focused on themselves.
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One-sentence summary -- Confront your negative thoughts. Test the reality of your fear. Stop unrealistic predictions. Realize that not everyone is judging you. Understand that everyone feels anxiety. Understand overcoming this will take practice. Change your focus.

Opt for either black or acid wash denim. Look for a pair with holes at the knees or rips all the way up and down the pant legs for an edgier look. Choose your denim in a skin-tight skinny jean cut. Skinny jeans are still in fashion today, so feel free to pull a pair from your wardrobe or a mainstream retailer. Keep in mind that the softer, stretchier denim of today differs from what was worn in the 80s, though. Pick out a second-hand pair of 80s jeans from a thrift shop to get a more authentic look. While band members didn't necessarily wear their own logos around, this is a great way to show off your allegiance to specific 80s rockers. Choose a black t-shirt with a large graphic featuring the name of one of the decade's top rock groups like Iron Maiden or AC/DC. A brand new t-shirt won't look very rock-n-roll, so opt for a distressed, lived-in t-shirt instead. Choose a band t-shirt featuring muddy, worn colors like deep red or dark blue in the graphics. Make sure your t-shirt features a band you love. Others might use your t-shirt as a conversation starter. Instead of a band t-shirt, you can try a plain white, gray, or black t-shirt. Just be sure to amp up your rocker look with additional layers and accessories. Try a vintage jacket from a thrift shop to get the right silhouette and a lived-in look. Find one with big shoulders and a tapered waist that's embellished with silver zippers and studded lapels. For a sleeveless look, opt for a vest. Try either a leather biker-style vest or a cutoff acid wash denim option. Personalize your denim vest with patches and pins. Consider placing a large motif on the back panel of your jacket or vest so anyone approaching you from behind will know your rock allegiances. For ladies, try tulle and lace mixed with edgier leather and denim in the style of Cindy Lauper and Madonna. Finish off your hard rock ensemble with tough black boots. Choose a pair that's edgy and worn-in, with messy laces, scuffed and distressed leather, and heavy silver buckles. If you want to aim for a sleeker, more New Age rock look, try a pair of black leather Chelsea boots instead. Avoid wearing sneakers with your 80s rocker outfit. When it comes to 80s rocker jewelry, the more the better. Focus on studded leather and thick chains. Stack up a selection of mismatched bracelets, wear an edgy choker, add a studded belt, and sport chains around your neck, wrists, and belt loops. Pick out a handful of chunky metal rings and consider wearing a rocker hoop earring in one ear. Stick with silver-toned metal to get the 80s look. Avoid gold jewelry and accents. Work classic rock imagery skulls, snakes, crosses, and roses into your accessories. For instance, try a thick snake ring or a heavy skull pendant.
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One-sentence summary --
Slip on a pair of shredded skinny jeans. Wear a t-shirt featuring your favorite 80s rock band. Throw on a leather motorcycle jacket or a denim vest over your t-shirt. Ground your rocker look with a pair of black leather boots. Layer on heavy silver-toned jewelry.