Does meeting someone new fill you with dread?
Lots of people feel shy with someone new. When the worry keeps you from new jobs, friends or dates, it's worth a closer look. This free check helps you see where you are.
Does any of this sound like you?
- You avoid parties or events where you won't know anyone
- Small talk feels exhausting or impossible
- You've turned down a job, course or date because of it
Fear or phobia?
Everyone is afraid of something. A fear becomes a phobia when it's much bigger than the danger, it doesn't go away, and it starts to shape your life: the plans you make, the places you avoid, the things you miss.
Phobias are also one of the most treatable problems there are. Most people who finish a course of exposure-based therapy recover, working step by step at a pace they agree.
What you'll be asked
What worries you most about meeting new people?
- Having nothing to say
- Being judged
- Awkward silences
- Blushing or looking nervous
- Not being liked
- Going over it afterwards
Which situations do you find hard, and how hard is each one?
- Saying hello to a neighbour
- Meeting a friend's friend
- Small talk with someone new
- A first day at a new job
- A party where I know one person
- A first date
- A networking event
- Joining a new club or group
Six quick questions about the last month
- How much does this affect your day-to-day life?
- How much do you avoid places, plans or situations because of it?
- How much does it affect your work, studies or caring for others?
- How much does it affect your social life, relationships or family?
- How much does it stop you doing things you want to do?
- How much distress do you feel when you think about meeting someone new?
What you get at the end
Your result and what it means for everyday life, plus a starting ladder built from your own answers: the steps, easiest first, a therapist would use to help you. It's saved to a free Rephobia account, so you can come back, retake the check and see what changes.
Common questions
- Is this a diagnosis?
- No. It is a free self-check to help you understand how much this affects your life. Only a qualified professional can assess you properly.
- Will I be shown pictures or videos?
- No. The check uses words only.
- Why do you ask for my email?
- Your results are saved to a free account, so you can come back to them, retake the check and see what has changed. You confirm your email with a code, then choose a password.
- Who can see my answers?
- You can. Rephobia keeps them to show you your results. Nothing is shared with a therapist unless you choose to send a request, and nothing is sold or used for advertising.