The other day I realized that the behavioral patterns and feelings I
get around other people (like at a party) are also present in other situations
that have nothing to do with people.

In particular, I'm running out of my flake-type breakfast cereal and
need to start using up my oatmeal. Now, this is about as far removed
from a social situation as one can get. But yet, I'm avoiding the switchover.
I know I enjoy oatmeal (as I enjoy some kinds of socializing), but still
I'm reluctant to do it. I'm avoiding it like
crazy.

The same goes for hiking, which I really enjoy once I get going. But
somehow, there's great reluctance to start. And a huge amount of avoidance.

I used to think that the predominant characteristic was a distaste for
new and novel situations. But that's not the case here, as I seek out
adventure and excitement in some situations. For instance, ice climbing.
And my current Oatmeal Anxiety is not a novel or new situation.

What's up with this? Is Oatmeal Phobia part of a diagnosable illness,
subject to treatment?

Has anybody else noticed their social anxieties are part of a larger
pattern of avoidance similar to what I've described here?


-like2walk-


------------
I like to walk. Preferably in the mountains or
in a forest. Or perhaps on glaciers. How about you?
My email address is like2walk@..., but be patient
in getting a response. I sometimes don't real email here
for several weeks.



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