Just what it says on the tin. When someone seems to GENUINELY like me as a person, I get very anxious.

I fear that they don't really like me. I fear that they're only pretending to like me because they want to manipulate me for personal gain.
I also fear that they really do like me a lot, but it's only because they've foolishly made up a guy in their heads (and I am NOT that guy when they get to know me, so I will only disappoint them eventually).
My first response to this kind of friendliness is to hedge my responses to avoid seeming equally interested in THEM. I try to avoid showing my hand.
When someone tells me outright that they like me, or they're happy to see me, or they compliment me, I respond in a friendly way, but I never match their energy. It just makes me feel vulnerable and uncomfortable and somewhat... Idk, presumptuous?

I don't know why I do this. I don't have particularly low self-esteem. I don't think I'm unlikeable. And I'm not paranoid or egotistical enough to think these people are 'out to get me' lmao. I'm just freakishly cold.

It's becoming a problem. I struggle to make friends. I struggle to make connections at work. People who I love don't seem to feel loved by me. It's not good.

I'm trying to be more affectionate and open.
Has anyone dealt with this issue? What makes it easier for you?

What trauma made u like this

>>33245391 (OP)
>Just what it says on the tin. When someone seems to GENUINELY like me as a person, I get very anxious.
Your anxiety is justified, because they must be a dangerous lunatic.

>>33245418
Nothing happened to me. I'm just retarded.