Dealing with Social Anxiety in Public Places

turn the conversation to them. Deflect or don't answer directly. Ask them a question about themselves, compliment an article of clothing or their hair. You won't feel bad about lying and you can avoid talking about how you are feeling. Then come back here or to some other safe place and talk to people you're comfortable with about how you are feeling. As Stormer said, good for you for taking the first step and actually going out! 👍