can't stop thinking about 'people'

Yes, I think I do something similar to you @jamesle2015.

We moved to a small town almost 3 years ago. I've lived in a lot of different places, but this is by far the smallest town... less than 400 people.

Now, everyone kind of looks familiar, but I'm not sure where I know them from. Sometimes, I'm really bad at recognising someone out of context... like if I always see them in a work uniform, and then I see them in casual clothes, with their hair down, I struggle to work out if it is the same person or not?

Once it even happened with my own sister! I kid you not. I saw her in a place where I didn't expect to see her. She looked lovely, by the way. I thought to myself "what an attractive woman, she's so lucky to be slim and pretty like that- she looks happy too." About 10 seconds later, I realised it was my own sister!! We had a good laugh about that.

@jamesle2015, you are probably someone who is very sensitive to other people, in general. You look at people, think about them, recognise something in their faces.... some of us do this more than others.

I can think of quite a few times different things have happened to me... but I don't want to bore you.

Are you especially worried about something @jamesle2015?

It's hard because I prefer not to think about them...

I think part of the problem is I have agoraphobia and DPD and anxiety so I don't have any

social connections...

If sonething 'negative' happens at work it tends to stick in my mind for a long time ...if the customer

reacts badly

Even if it's not 'negative' I still see the people's faces even when I am not at work ...I can't get rid of

the images they are constantly there one person after another

I reckon I have been doing this too long

@jamesle2015,

I think you have explained things well. Are you getting some professional help with your DPD, agoraphobia and anxiety?

I have generalized anxiety and some social anxiety, as well. I tend to care too much what other people think of me. If I have a negative interaction with someone, I can end up feeling very anxious and can lose sleep because of it.

Yes, and I might continually think of that person who I had an interaction with, over and over again. I over-think things way too much. I'm extremely sensitive to criticism.

It sounds like you might be anxious, @jamesle2015? Not that I am a professional, or anything.

Yes 🙂

Have you read my previous posts?

Yes, @jamesle2015,

I have read your posts... it sounds like you know that you suffer from anxiety and that you are describing specific instances of anxiety in your life, ie, when you have bad interaction with a customer, you feel very anxious about it?

Are you getting some treatment?

Not at the moment...

I am reading some books

I have booked holidays for January 2018 - I am taking 2 weeks off

It is hard not to think about it as it is a new experience...going on a cruise to NZ

Not too far but I haven't been on cruise before

I will join a few others

The last time I went overseas was end of 2013 ... visit relatives ..

I remember I felt anxious in the taxi on the way to the airport - I noticed my hands were sweating

and I was holding a tissue....I reckon the driver thought I was a bit strange but he didn't say

anything...

I was with Mum and she was sitting in the back seat but I didn't say anything about the anxiety

The flight was okay and the holiday was okay...it was mainly visiting my uncle and aunty..my Mum's brother....but the apartment was a bit expensive

I haven't been overseas much....never been to any European countries or US or anywhere else

Only been to Asia

how about you - have you been overseas much

and

have you been on cruise before ? 🙂

Hi @jamesle2015,

yes, I have been a cruise before, a few times actually- always to the South Pacific islands. I think it can be a fun holiday... the only thing I have an issue with is that the cruise ships can feel a bit crowded sometimes. But if you go to the unpopular places on board the ship- like the library, for instance, you will find plenty of room to yourself.

Hi @jamesle2015,

sorry I have taken a while to get back to you!

The first time I went on a cruise, it was with my whole family and I was only 12 years old. I loved it- it was an adventure.

The last time I went, I was with my husband and we both enjoyed it. I don't get sea-sick and I love the water. I like the idea of being surrounded by the sea. Being out there on the ocean, in a boat does not make me anxious. I feel very free.

The only thing is that the crowds can be somewhat energy-draining and noisy. I would like to be on a ship with only 100 guests, rather than 2,500 guests! I don't like people bumping into me on deck or rushing past me. I like my own space.

Luckily, I thought our cabin was really nice and restful, with a great ocean view out the window, so I didn't mind spending time in there reading and relaxing.

What do you look forward to the most on your cruise, @jamesle2015?

I'm not sure how I will cope...

It will be easier if I don't look outside...not sure how I will feel if I only see the water..

I am agoraphobic

Looking forward to having time off work ...see New Zealand