Coffee shops.

People watching is an art form and one that I consider one of my specialties.  That being said, coffee shops are exquisite.  For someone who has a closet case of social anxiety, it's a wonderful vacation from reality and not unlike going to see a movie.  Currently I have my headphones on and am listening to Zooey Deschanel sing It's So Easy.  She's not the greatest singer but she is just so darn cute it more than makes up for it.  But I digress.  The headphones create a barrier or a cloak protecting me from interactions because as passers by can clearly see, I'm terribly busy doing something.  An occasional smile may be exchanged but for the most part, I'm invisible right now.  Alone with my thoughts and observations which, often times, are peppered with condescending and sarcastic judgement.  Most likely, there is someone else in this very coffee shop (gasp) who is doing the very same thing.  To me.  Right now.  This is what drives my social anxiety - a fear of my image being graded and judged and studied just as I am doing to other people.  Right now.  I figure if I'm doing it, everyone else is too right?  Unless I'm...different.  Strange or, um, weird.  Oh self esteem, how you are so easily shaped by life.  Some are more resilient or immune than others it seems.  I for one am not.  Sigh.