|
HushFest is on the horizon. Cornwall’s festival of quietness, shaped by our community. |
Helpful tips and personal stories. Exploring relationships and connecting with others when you’re feeling socially anxious, shy and not good enough. You are not alone.
For many of us who navigate the world through the lens of introversion, high sensitivity, or social anxiety, kindness is often our most natural language. We value harmony, and we are acutely aware of the emotional states of those around us. This deep-seated instinct to be considerate is a beautiful strength, yet without courage, it…
There are moments in every relationship, friendship or community when something needs to be expressed. Something feels off, or heavy, or important. And for many of us who move quietly through the world, speaking into these moments can feel complicated. We want to be kind. We want to avoid hurting anyone. We care about the…
Sharing a life and a home with someone you love – a partner, friend, or family member – can be deeply wonderful. It can also be quietly challenging. For many of us who are introverted, sensitive, or easily overstimulated, the idea of living with others brings a mix of excitement and a new kind of…
Sometimes, in relationships—whether friendships, family, work, or dating—something doesn’t sit right. Someone cancels plans last minute without apology. A friend jokes at your expense in a way that feels uncomfortable. A colleague constantly interrupts you in meetings. When you express discomfort, the response might be: “That’s just how people are.” “Everyone does it.” “You’re overthinking…
Sometimes, a new connection arrives unexpectedly – a friendship or relationship that feels suddenly deep and full of promise. You find yourself sharing parts of yourself sooner than usual, feeling seen and important in someone else’s world. There’s warmth, attentiveness, maybe even a sense of consistency and care that feels grounding. It might feel like…
We long for gentle relationships. To feel safe and seen with others, and to offer that same safety in return. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or a colleague, we hope for connection that feels kind, consistent, and nourishing. But even when that desire is strong, we might still find ourselves showing up in a…
The experience of menstruation unfolds in rhythms often unseen and unspoken. Quietly, yet powerfully, our menstrual cycles influence how we feel, think, and show up in the world. And for those of us who identify as quieter, more sensitive, or who experience social anxiety, these changes can feel particularly profound. This is not just about…
Relationships aren’t built on perfection—they are built on repair. No matter how close we are to someone, moments of disconnection happen. A misunderstanding, a sharp tone, a missed bid for connection—these small ruptures can make us feel distant or uncertain. But they don’t have to be the end of the story. In fact, how we…
Valentine’s Day can bring up mixed emotions. While it’s often associated with love and connection, it can also highlight feelings of loneliness or self-doubt. When surrounded by messages of romance, we may find ourselves questioning our worth or feeling as though meaningful connection is just out of reach. Looking back, I can see how much…
Have you ever wanted to reach out to someone but hesitated because you weren’t sure if they’d want to hear from you? Maybe you assumed they were too busy or already had enough friends. Perhaps you worried you’d be interrupting or imposing. So, instead of sending the message or making the call, you told yourself,…
It’s not uncommon to find that we’ve “fallen” into a relationship, perhaps with someone we work with or someone who happens to be close by, without intentionally seeking a partner who truly aligns with who we are and what we need. Quiet people, in particular, may find this scenario familiar. But why does this happen,…
Sometimes we find ourselves holding on to a relationship that we know, deep down, is hurting us. It’s not easy to let go, especially when we care deeply about someone. We might cling to the hope that things will change, that the relationship will become what we need it to be, and that the person…