When social anxiety takes hold, it’s easy to rely on little habits that make situations feel safer — avoiding eye contact, over-preparing what to say, or staying quiet so you don’t “mess up.” These coping strategies, called safety behaviours , can make you feel protected in the moment. But in the long run, they actually keep anxiety alive by preventing you from learning that you can handle social situations on your own. 🌱 1. What Are Safety Behaviours? Safety behaviours are