It’s a scary world out there. Sure, there may be fewer predators these days, but unfortunately, social gatherings, Zoom invites, and checkout small talk are still very much alive. And apparently, our brains have decided those are just as terrifying.

This is a safe space, though. No judgment here for dreading plans you enthusiastically agreed to when you were in a suspiciously good mood. Instead, we’ve got a collection of memes—courtesy of Fear of Going Out—to help us cope with the struggle together.

You’ll find them below. We won’t make you socialize to enjoy them.

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    We all have those moments where we wish we could disappear into the earth, lie down forever, and avoid talking to another human being ever again. It happens.

    But jokes aside, social anxiety is very real. And it’s not just shyness, introversion, or awkwardness, as it’s often misunderstood to be. It’s a mental health condition marked by a fear of social situations that’s intense enough to cause serious distress and interfere with daily life.

    #3

    Funny anti-social meme text about aliens avoiding Earth and locking doors.

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    StrangeOne
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    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We can't even keep up with their flying machines. They just fly by and go "Nope".

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    #4

    Anti-social meme about lacking critical thinking skills posted on Twitter.

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    Nosirrow
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    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People with low intelligence are more likely to accept the situation. They don't care enough to care about injustice.

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    It’s also more common than you might think. Social anxiety is part of a broader group of anxiety disorders, which includes generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These disorders are among the most frequent mental health issues out there. In the U.S. alone, anxiety disorders affect around 40 million adults—about 19% of the population.

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    #7

    Anti-social meme with two tweets about talking to 15 people a day.

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    StrangeOne
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    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think I'm close to that many people. I don't even talk to everyone at work.

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    To understand more about how social anxiety shows up and how it differs from certain personality traits, Bored Panda spoke with clinical psychologist Dr. Aneesa Shariff.

    “Being shy is a very common and normal experience,” she explained. “Most people feel shy in different situations and eventually become more comfortable as they become familiar with the situation. Social anxiety however, is more persistent and can cause a lot of anticipatory anxiety about upcoming social events as well as anxiety in the moment.”

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    #10

    Relatable anti-social meme about introverts and extroverts with humorous advice on social interactions.

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do some want to always hear people yap yap yap. Comfort in silence among company is the ultimate sign of a secure, cozy relationship.

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    People with social anxiety often feel nervous about attending parties, making small talk, going out with friends, meeting new people, or even being the center of attention—like during work meetings or class presentations.

    “They will typically either try to avoid these situations altogether or will experience a huge amount of anxiety and distress while in the situation,” Dr. Shariff said. “This can cause them to become socially isolated, lack friendships or relationships, and generally feel like they are not able to live their lives in the way they want to, due to the avoidance of triggers for their social anxiety.”

    #11

    Anti-social meme about hippos being dangerous but vegetarian, highlighting their hostility without predation.

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    Quizzie McGee
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or that they think that most humans have the brains of vegetables and get confused

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    #12

    A humorous anti-social meme featuring a conversation about trained service bees attacking people.

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    Sam Trudeau
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Btw, in Skyrim, the vampire lord (vampire but stronger) has a perk called "night cloak" that causes a bat swarm to appear and attack any enemies whenever you enter combat

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    #14

    Relatable anti-social meme comparing compliments to awkward vending machine transactions.

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    Chihuahua Mama
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As someone with social anxiety, I learned early on the the easiest, most painless way is to say "oh, thankyou" and move along. Still haven't figured out how not to replay every social interaction in my head over and over later, unfortunately

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    #18

    Anti-social meme about weekend plans, expressing disbelief at people doing activities after a busy week.

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do some fun things on the weekends. But most of the time, I need to recoup from the week. Today I had sensory overload and everyone was crowding me. I was screaming inside.

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    #20

    Anti-social meme highlighting humor in avoiding an approachable appearance.

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A part of me would like to look nicer at work. But a bigger part of me dreads the inevitable backhanded compliments, gushing and crowding. Last time I wore something nice, half the staff rush around me trying to touch what I was wearing. Then they got offended that I told them to back off. I know in their culture they are very touchy-feely, but d**n. I never wore it to work again.

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    #22

    Anti-social meme about people's fascination with ancestry over current family.

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's bad, but it's sorta interesting to see how far back the insanity goes.

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    #25

    Anti-social meme about declining an invitation, captioned by VeryBritishProblems on a black background.

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    Bored Boo
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This works!!! I tried it at work and now have one less person to talk to!

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    #27

    Anti-social meme comparing excuses for staying home.

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    #28

    Anti-social meme with text expressing loss of faith in humanity.

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    Nosirrow
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I overheard a teacher and a parent discussing the child's progress. Mother: she says she knows the answer but doesn't raise her hand. Teacher: yes, she's embarrassed and anxious, tell her not be anxious. I... I died of second-hand embarrassment. That's the solution, idiot? Omg! Don't be anxious! I put so much effort into gently coaxing the shy pupils to come out of their shell and I could have told them to not be anxious. Jesus Christ on a bike.

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    #29

    Anti-social meme about the constant challenges of adulting and endless to-do lists.

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Get rid of the to-do list and problem solved. I swear people put too much of a load on themselves just to make themselves seems "productive". Give yourself one weekend every 2 weeks to just do nothing important, sleep in, take naps and you'll feel so much more relaxed.

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    #30

    Relatable-Antisocial-Adult-Memes

    Anti-social meme about introverts wanting compensation for team activities.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My last employer thought a "staff retreat" was the ultimate in teambuilding. (And that we'd all be SO excited to travel/stay together) Sorry, but being forced to spend all day with my coworkers while we're not even working is cruel and unusual punishment. We don't all need to be best friends to do our jobs.

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    #31

    Anti-social meme highlighting humorous dislike for physical contact.

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    Pencil
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When people have different touch-preferences, the person who wants less, wins. Every time. Two huggers, hug. Hugger & a handshaker, shake. Some people think that calling themselves "a hugger" means this rule doesn't apply to them. But it does.

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    #32

    Anti-social memes highlighting the irony of balancing anxiety and depression by leaving or staying home.

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Having a balcony helps. I can get fresh air, watch people, crush their heads between my fingers and not leave my home. (Some of you may not get that KITH reference.)

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    #36

    Anti-social meme about a child's clever exit strategy from a playdate, humorously highlighting relatable social anxieties.

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    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kid will go far. Before you get into it, figure out how to get out of it.

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    #38

    Tweet about coworker expressing anti-social feelings, feeling relatable.

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    #40

    Anti-social meme about attempting a day of zero stimulation for personal reflection and humor.

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    Daria
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    nah, my brain would soon fill itself up with wild intrusive thoughts

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    #44

    Anti-social meme about introverts avoiding social interactions like asking for the trash bin location.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just FYI being an introvert doesn't automatically mean you're incapable of social interaction. Introverts just need a lot of alone time to recharge their social battery. I'm not shy at all and enjoy socializing to a point. But when my battery is drained I'm done with people for a while.

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    #46

    Relatable anti-social meme about not enjoying others' presence and showing discomfort openly.

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    $teph
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, if I don't actually come out and say it, my face sure does.

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    #47

    Tweet about being anti-social: "I'm no social butterfly but if you want a disassociating moth hmu," gaining likes and replies.

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    #48

    Anti-social meme: "Sorry that my guest room made you think I wanted guests," by Emotional Support Cheese.

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not having a guest room, nor a comfy anything for guests, really bothers family. Wonder why.

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    #49

    Anti-social meme with a witty response to "I haven't seen you in forever," suggesting they aren't close friends.

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    #50

    Anti-social meme text about avoiding a meeting by pj, shared September 13, 2022.

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    Note: this post originally had 58 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.