Experiencing anxiety when talking to a single person but not in a group setting is not uncommon and can be attributed to various factors:
Social Expectations: When speaking one-on-one, there might be a greater perceived pressure to maintain the conversation and keep it engaging. In a group, the attention is divided among multiple people, reducing the pressure on any one individual.
Intimacy and Vulnerability: One-on-one conversations can feel more intimate and personal, which can trigger feelings of vulnerability and self-consciousness. In a group, you might feel more shielded from intense personal scrutiny.
Fear of Judgment: Anxiety in one-on-one conversations can stem from a fear of being judged or evaluated by the other person. In a group, the attention is distributed, making the fear of judgment less acute.
Difficulty with Eye Contact: For some individuals, maintaining eye contact in one-on-one conversations can be uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing. In a group, the focus might not be solely on you, reducing the need for constant eye contact.
Perceived Power Dynamics: One-on-one conversations might involve perceived power imbalances or hierarchy, which can increase anxiety, especially when talking to authority figures or people you look up to.
Past Experiences: Past negative experiences or social rejections in one-on-one interactions may contribute to apprehension and anxiety when faced with similar situations.
Communication Skills: Individuals with social anxiety might feel more competent in managing group dynamics than navigating individual interactions.
Self-Consciousness: Some people might become overly self-aware and self-critical during one-on-one conversations, leading to increased anxiety.
It's important to recognize that the reasons for feeling anxious in specific social situations can be complex and multifaceted, and they may vary from person to person. If this anxiety significantly impacts your daily life or causes distress, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy can be helpful in addressing and managing social anxiety. Additionally, remember that with practice and patience, you can gradually become more comfortable in one-on-one conversations.