This post is part of Just Jot it January, and the prompt word, “shy,” comes to us courtesy of Di. Check out her blog here!

That’s Carol Burnett singing about my problem.

I can’t even go to town, make phone calls, or answer calls that are not from friends or family. Certainly, even though I took two years of speech, I cannot get up and give a speech. So many things I can’t do because social anxiety can make me all sweaty and shaky. All words leave me.

But I can sing when I have practiced and love the song. I’ve even done some soloing. Just as long as there is a distance between me and the audience, I don’t have to talk to anyone afterward. I’ve loved being in a couple of musicals. Given the chance to exercise my voice and memorize the words, I could work up SHY with gusto. But clap, and I will return to hiding in the corner, reading my books.

do not disturb