Avoidance Behaviors

Avoidance behaviors are those dysfunctional things that you do, or do not do, to manage feelings of anxiety in social or performance situations. Some examples of avoidance behaviors include:

• Eating at your desk to avoid the cafeteria
• Dropping a class to avoid giving a presentation
• Crossing the street to avoid talking to someone
• Not answering the telephone
• "Spacing out" when you are in a group

Have you ever engaged in these types of behaviors? If so, share your experiences with other readers.

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