Today was the first day of school and , knowing this, I prepared as much as possible in advance. However, the one thing I’m never prepared for is all of the people: the happy returns and small talk.
Despite my intention to cultivate friendliness to all beings, when it comes down to it I’m either unnerved or irritated by others. Call it social anxiety but I always leave these situations wondering what everyone else thinks of me, comparing myself to others and generally feeling worse off. Why? No clue but just putting it into words helps me to realize that I am most likely not the only one who feels this way.
There is clearly a lesson here but I have yet to figure out how to learn it. May I do my best to understand this suffering she overcome it so that my loving kindness may truly grow.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
Thank you for this. I have been struggling with the same dilemma for a few weeks now at my new school. It however comforts me to know that I’m not the only one in this world experiencing this. Sadhu _/\_
By: nicolaricola on 09/09/2016
at 2:52 am
My thanks to you as well! Sukhi hotu!
By: Upāsaka on 09/09/2016
at 8:31 am