The Shyness & Social Anxiety Workbook
178Practices Involving Being in Public
For some people, just being around other people is anxiety provoking, even if there 
is no interaction or direct social contact. If being in a public place is difﬁcult for you, 
here are some examples of public places where you may be able to practice exposure. 
Remember to practice frequently and to stay long enough for your fear to decrease. If 
you must leave the situation, try to return to it as soon as possible.
UÊGo to a mall or supermarket . Shopping is a good way of exposing yourself 
to other people in a public place. Try shopping when the stores are more 
crowded to challenge your fearful thoughts even more.
UÊMake eye contact in a public place . If appropriate, make eye contact with 
other people while you walk down the street or while sitting on a bus or 
subway. Of course, for safety reasons, this may not be wise in some cities, 
particularly at night, or in dangerous parts of town.
UÊGo to a concert or sporting event . A guaranteed place to encounter lots 
of other people is at a large concert, sporting event, movie theater, or other 
entertainment venue. If you prefer to sit in an aisle seat or near the exit (for 
a quick escape), try sitting in the middle of the row and away from the exit.
UÊRead in a public place . Spend some time reading your favorite book, a 
newspaper, or a new novel at a coffee shop or library.
UÊJoin a gym or take an aerobics class . Rather than exercising alone, practice 
exercising in front of others. For example, join an aerobics class and take a