Was what I did childish or wise (I'm exceedingly petrified of women)?

[Anonymous]

This summer I was chilling alone at an uncrowded public pool like unusually do. Suddenly this young woman enters; around 30, 5'8ft, slender/fit, Caucasian, dark hair, small two piece string bikini. Despite there being plenty of space and empty lounge chairs on the pool deck, she decided to find a spot next to me. Somehow as she passed me by, she gives me a smile (I thought women hated men's guts, no?).

I was so scared shitless. I had already started trembling and getting an anxiety attack the minute she walked up to the entrance. I was hoping she would find a spot far away from me or go away. So I quickly grabbed my belongings, left the pool in a hurry, and went home.

I've been terrified of girls and women since I was a small boy (I'm in my late 30s now), and from what I've seen on the Internet, women are best avoided.

[Oliverlogan263]

Dude, I totally understand why you panicked in that situation - social anxiety is no joke. But I don't know if fleeing was the best move either. Here's how I see it:

Leaving so abruptly probably came off as kinda rude to her, even if you didn't mean it that way. She may have taken it personally like she creeped you out or something.

At the same time, staying could have made your anxiety way worse if you felt trapped there with her. Fight or flight kicked in, and flight won out in the moment.

Overall though man, not all women hate guys' guts like the internet says. Some are actually pretty cool! I think next time, maybe try a middle path - politely say you have to run but offer a little friendly wave first so she doesn't think she freaked you out, ya know?

Baby steps, bro. Calmly addressing situations is healthier long-term than avoiding them fully. Maybe consider talking to someone too if social stuff gets real intense? You seem alright, just need more confidence is all. You got this dude!