The Shyness & Social Anxiety Workbook
12may be completely out of the question. Social anxiety may be more manageable around 
more familiar people, such as close friends and family—but not always. For some people, 
anxiety may actually increase as a relationship becomes more intimate. Also, social anxiety 
can interfere with existing relationships, particularly if a socially anxious person’s partner 
wants to socialize with others on a more regular basis. The following case examples illus -
trate how social anxiety can have a negative impact on a person’s relationships.
UÊWilliam has never been in a romantic relationship. Although others have 
expressed interest in dating him, he always makes excuses not to go out and 
usually doesn’t return their phone calls. William desperately wants to be in a 
relationship, but he just can’t ﬁnd the courage to take the initial steps.
UÊCindy is generally comfortable with her male colleagues at work, and she 
has several male friends with whom she socializes occasionally. However, as 
her relationships with men become closer, she is increasingly fearful that the 
other person will discover the “real” Cindy and reject her. She has ended 
several relationships with men just as they were becoming close.
UÊJerry frequently argues with his girlfriend about his unwillingness to spend 
time with her friends. Although he was quite shy and anxious when they 
ﬁrst started dating, recently his social anxiety has put more of a strain on 
their relationship. Because of his anxiety, they have been spending a lot of 
time alone while she has wanted to socialize as a couple with other people.
UÊNorm has gradually lost many of his friends over the years. For a while after 
ﬁnishing high school, he kept in touch with his closest friends. However,