>>33410615 (OP)
This used to be a huge problem for me as well. I was timid, terrified of others and any kind of provocation would send me into a tailspin.
Thankfully, I'm much better with it now - almost the opposite of what I used to be, in fact. A lot of things had to change in my life for that to happen though. By far the biggest thing was gaining some modicum of self-respect. When I started treating myself as if I was someone deserving of peace, kindness and respect, as well as figuring out where exactly my boundaries were, it became a lot more straightforward to deal with conflict.
This self-respect didn't come from nowhere, however. It only made sense when I started living like a person worthy of respect - holding down a respectable job, going to the gym, taking care of my friends and family.
Then it's about practicing assertiveness. You start small - maybe it's shushing someone whose talking loudly in a cinema, or maybe it's politely asking a barista to make your coffee again because it doesn't taste right, or maybe it's asking someone for help with something.
These were basic things that used to send me into a full blown panic attack. But when I practiced them in controlled settings and stifle my panic, it would get easier. Every time I'd shush a rude person at a cinema for talking loudly or ask them to stop using their phone, my heart would be pounding relentlessly. Now I don't even have so much as a flutter.
All this being said, the game changer is knowing how to fight. When I began training Muay Thai and wrestling and put on some muscle, I was no longer afraid of anyone. Sure, I'm afraid of certain situations, and I'd be an idiot if I wasn't afraid of getting my arse kicked, but I know that I can handle myself physically.
Sparring and getting into street-fights (ill-advised) has taught me that fear is a tool that allows you to survive. I've got more to say if you're interested. I hope some of this helps.
