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| Am I talking too much? Am I not talking long enough? Did they know that was a joke? |
| After a year of very few social interactions outside of phone calls and Zooms, getting back to in-person social situations has me feeling awkward. |
| Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of us have been staying inside and have been disconnected from family and friends, which means our social skills have not been exercised – leaving me feeling like a rambling weirdo at times. |
| And don't get me wrong, I'm so happy and grateful to be vaccinated and able to start making plans with loved ones again, but these outings also make me feel a bit socially awkward and anxious. |
| For me, it's not uncomfortable asking the people I want to socialize with if they are vaccinated, although I know for many it is – it's mostly just in the planning process and the interactions themselves. |
| I haven't had to plan a meet-up with someone in so long! How did I even do this before? What will we talk about? |
| Aside from the awkwardness, which I'm sure will start to subside eventually, seeing friends again has been really great. We've been able to catch up on everything we've missed in each other's lives this past year, talk about our hopes and plans for the future and more. |
| Of course, the topic of COVID comes up as well, but it has also been refreshing to talk about something other than the pandemic, which has consumed so much of our headspace. |
| Is it slightly awkward to get back out there? Yes. Totally worth it? You bet. |
What your friend with an anxiety disorder wishes you knew |
| Speaking of social anxiety, it's not uncommon to deal with anxiety in some form – but some people deal with diagnosed anxiety disorders. |
| The Mayo Clinic describes clinical anxiety disorders as involving "repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks)." |
| My colleague David Oliver spoke to people living with anxiety disorders to learn about the one thing they wish people knew. Here's a sampling of their responses: |
| Uba Okereke, 34: "I tell people to always have grace with those who suffer from anxiety. We are wired different and function a bit abnormal than most but we should be valued and loved by those closest to us." |
| Susan Roylance, 61: "Anxiety, just like a physical ailment, is real. It causes real, physical symptoms and if you can't support or understand or help a person don't make fun of them, don't make light of what they are suffering." |
| To read more of their responses and to learn more about living with anxiety, click here. |
 | | Susan Roylance | | Courtesy of Susan Roylance | |
Today's reads |
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 | | A plane taking off. | | Getty Images | |
Today's pet |
| Meet Millie. |
 | | Meet Millie. | | Courtesy of Laurie Scott | |
| "She's loved having us work from home - lots of extra walks and napping close by during conference calls! And she's always available for some cuddles," writes Laurie Scott. |
| Thanks for reading! Remember you can send pet photos, coping tips, TV thoughts and anything else to stayingaparttogether@usatoday.com. |
| Wishing you all the best, |
| Sara Moniuszko |
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