Experiencing confidence around strangers while feeling awkward around people you know is a relatively common phenomenon, and there could be several reasons behind it. It's essential to remember that everyone's personality and behavior can be influenced by various factors, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all explanation. Here are some possible reasons for this pattern:
Social Expectations: Around strangers, there might be fewer expectations or preconceived notions about who you are or how you should act. This can lead to feeling less pressure to conform to specific behaviors or social norms, allowing you to feel more relaxed and confident.
Fear of Judgment: With people you know, there might be a fear of being judged or evaluated more critically because you have an established relationship with them. You might worry about their opinions and whether they will accept you for who you are.
Familiarity Breeds Self-Consciousness: Being around people you know well can trigger self-consciousness because you might worry about how they perceive you over time. In contrast, with strangers, you have a clean slate, which can be liberating.
Past Experiences: Previous negative experiences with people you know might impact your interactions with them. If you have experienced rejection or judgment from them in the past, it can lead to anxiety or awkwardness when you are around them.
Anxiety or Social Anxiety: Social anxiety can manifest in different ways. Some people experience it mainly around strangers, while others may find it more challenging to interact with people they know well. Social anxiety can cause self-doubt and excessive worry about being judged or embarrassing oneself.
Introversion: If you identify as an introvert, you might find it more draining or challenging to interact with people you know because it requires more energy to maintain those relationships. On the other hand, interactions with strangers may not require the same level of energy output.
Context and Roles: Depending on the context or roles you have with people you know (e.g., family, close friends, co-workers), you might feel pressure to fulfill certain expectations, leading to increased awkwardness.
Understanding the root cause of this behavior can be helpful in addressing it. If you find that your feelings of awkwardness or lack of confidence are affecting your relationships or overall well-being, it might be beneficial to speak with a mental health professional. They can provide you with valuable insights and techniques to improve your confidence and social interactions.