How to Dance - For Average Guys

As a person who often feels socially awkward, and someone who is sometimes inexplicably moody (I have been diagnosed with both social anxiety disorder, and a mood disorder) I have often felt left out, conspicous, and envious of people who not only know how to dance, but also seem to truly enjoy it. Because I was unwilling to confront my fear of looking awkward and being rejected socially in the past I have chosen not to dance at social events like weddings or parties. I even adopted the attitude that I didn't like to dance, and looked down on people who did enjoy dancing. Truthfully though, I would love to just get out on a dance floor, and just let loose, have fun, and enjoy being with someone I love. I have, at least twice, been able to do just that. But I'd love to do it more.

I found succeedsocially.com a while back and I truly love the site! Sometimes it seems that the site's creator has lived inside my head, experienced the same negative cognitions that I have, and tried to protect themselves from feeling socially awkward in the same fashion that I have. Knowing that someone else has been in my shoes makes me feel less like an antisocial freak! It helped me to realize that I'm just reverting back to coping strategies that literally helped me survive what my childhood experiences taught me. That the world was a cold, harsh, and dangerous place, and if you let your guard down for just one minute you'd get killed. Now when I'm tempted to use those same strategies I just need to remind myself that I'm no longer a child, the world isn't as dangerous as it once was, I have choices, and I can learn and usually already am aware of other coping strategies that are more appropriate.

It also reminds me that I don't have to be perfect in life, just mindful, open, aware, and willing to work hard.

I decided to link to this article in order to give other people who feel like "social misfits" the chance to challenge some of their preconceived ideas, and to receive some practical advice on dancing.