Sad because people hate me

I have been feeling really down the last few days because there are a few people in my life that basically hate me, I think its because I dont't really talk to them cause of my sp. I know that I shouldn't care what other people think but it is a major symptom of our illness that we do care too much about other peoples opinion. I nearly told them about my sp the other day but I lost my courage, I would like to be able to get along with them but as you all know it is difficult. I am just sad that I am misunderstood . sigh.

If you like them and want to get along with them i suggest you tell them (i would in that position) in the long run it will be better for you all.It might be hard to get the courage to do it but imo it would be for the best.

Thank you for replying Boundless!. I guess, I don't know, I tend to think that its not their problem so why should I burden them with it. What you say makes sense though, at least that way they will know why I have trouble talking to them.

I am feeling rather confused at the moment. Over the years I have tried to build up an image of being a strong person who doesn't care what anyone thinks and doesnt need help from anyone. It worked. Now I just feel bad I don't want to be a burden on anyone so I come in here and vent my feelings.

Things like this put friendships to a test,if they freak out and bail(dont want to be your friend anylonger) they dont even deserve to be your friend,thats why when i tell people my problems if they back off i know that they wouldnt be a true friend anyway so i would be better off.

If they are worthy they will try to support you,telling them is the only sure way even if you have built up an image of a person who doesnt care,they need to like you for who you truely are not some mask you put on when your around them.

4myself said:

Over the years I have tried to build up an image of being a strong person who doesn't care what anyone thinks and doesnt need help from anyone. It worked. Now I just feel bad I don't want to be a burden on anyone so I come in here and vent my feelings.

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The problem with that is, every time you do find yourself caring what someone thinks, you will feel that you are weak again. As soon as I realised that having any phobia didn't make me an innately 'weaker' person, my self-esteem rocketed from the depths to only a little below average. Remember, anyone can get a phobia. People who fear stairs aren't any less brave than those who don't. Some people who can't use stairs go sky-diving for a hobby And people who get called scaredy-cat, who won't go on roller-coasters or watch horror films or take risks of any kind, are not the same people who have a social phobia. I bet there are things some of us have done on here that most people would find too scary.
Basically, irrational fear does not equal weak character. Imagine how people you know would cope if they had to deal with the same irrational feelings about people that you get. We can't know how they'd react. And you can't know what kind of person you'd be if you'd never developed a social phobia (unless you get rid of it ). So you can be a strong person with social phobia. Or a weak person without it. But I guess we'd all prefer to be strong without it 8)

I also agree that you should tell them, however I would just say that you have a speech problem and that things don’t come out clearly; sometimes it’s just not worth the trouble. If they sound understanding, say that you’re sorry if you’ve come across as rude. Say it off the cuff, though. Don’t actually apologize, because you’ve done nothing wrong. Not to make light of the problem, but I think that saying you have a social phobia may freak some people out. Maybe they’ll think you’re scared of talking. I think that leaving it as a “speech problem” will work.

Thank you all for this advice, I'm still not sure what I will do, but at the moment I am leaning toward telling people that I am in therapy but not actually go into details about what for.