In social settings such as the office, conferences, or shopping, people with social anxiety really feel that everybody is staring and judging them (even though rationally they know this isn’t true). The socially anxious person can’t chill out, “take it simple”, and enjoy themselves in a social situation. In fact, they can never fully relax when other persons are around. It always appears like others are evaluating them, criticizing of them, or “judging” them in some way. The person with social anxiety knows that people do not do this overtly, of course, but they still feel the self-consciousness and judgment while they’re in the different person’s company. It is generally impracticable to let themselves loose and concentrate on anything else except the fear and the anxiety. Because the anxiety is so very painful, it is much easier just to stay away from social situations and avoid other people altogether.