Funny Story

Shonti submitted

I have not shared this with many but I also suffer from social anxiety. It does interfere with me interacting with people on a personal level in large groups or meeting new people and going places alone. So going to concerts or events is always a personal struggle. I sometimes end up talking myself out of attending events especially if I have to go by myself. The funny part is this summer I went to Warp Tour Chula Vista CA (alone) just to see GCH. I ended up being able to see them at the acoustic venue and was sitting in the front. It was pretty cool. As long as I was zoning out on the music I could ignore the fact that there is 100 people around me. When the set was finished I was ready to leave the crowd but from where I was sitting it was too hard to get away. Then Travie stood up closed his eyes and came towards me to shake my hand. Knowing that he has social anxiety I understood the eyes closed thing.  But him not knowing I get just as freaked out…I had no where to duck and hide and let the next chick get the handshake. And then he started to get bombarded by his fans I was stuck between him and the others trying to meet him. So to say the least my nerves were on edge. Once I saw an exit I was out like my pants were on fire. You would think being a dedicated fan I would have been thrilled.  But the anxiety sometimes changes that thrill to horror lol. I know it sounds weird cause it sounds weird to me too. Its just something hard to explain. So believe me when I say I get it. Not condoning but I too have to have a few drinks to see my favorite group. Its not as easy as just going to see them. It takes some mental prep before hand. So take it easy on the man if you think he is ignoring you or you think he is being rude. I truly believe he appreciates his fans and have seen him stop for them many times.

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FYTM response -

Thank you SO much for sharing. It’s not something that too many people admit or even might know they suffer from. But its good to know that you aren’t the only one that has it!

I was also at that show and the acoustic set that day! Travie saw us and was trying to weed through the crow’d to come give me a hug and had grabbed my hand and was tug of waring to get through the people and people were pushing, thought I was going to get smooshed and he gave me a quick hug and he had to go and said there were too many people around and you could see the oh shit look on his face. I’m glad that I can post on here about people not being so quick to judge when he has to go because 9/10 people think he is being a douchebag and it’s not like that at all. He loves their fans and I am sure he really does wish he could come out and just be normal and have normal interaction….I mean shit, you guys are buying his merch/cd’s and going to his shows showing them so much love…..and to not be able to show the love back he probably wants to has to be the shittiest feeling in the world!

Thanks again so much for sharing your story. I hope that it helps someone feeling the same way! Much appreciated *Hugs*