to make sure you say the right thing, this practice, if used too often, may 
have the opposite effect.
UÊDerailing the conversation . Derailing involves switching the topic of con -
versation when it becomes either boring or uncomfortable. In social anxiety, 
derailing may take place when the conversation moves into anxiety-provok -
ing areas. For example, if a coworker asks you about your weekend and 
you are embarrassed to admit that you stayed home alone all weekend, you 
might shift the conversation back to a work-related topic, rather than dis -
close what you perceive to be overly personal information. Derailing can 
make the other person feel as though you are not listening or are not inter -
ested in the conversation.
UÊPlacating the other person . Placating involves agreeing with the other 
person regardless of what he or she says in an effort to avoid potential con -
ﬂict. Because social anxiety is associated with a fear of being disliked or neg -
atively judged, people who are socially anxious often go out of their way to 
agree with others. However, most people don’t expect to have others agree