Social Anxietyy?

Ok, so here's the scenario. I started my second semester of college a couple of weeks ago. I have my English class on Tuesdays and Thursday and the first day of class I noticed that on old friend was in it. I feel like I should talk to her and I want to talk to her, but I just can't get myself to do it. I feel really awkward and I sit right in front of her. I have already avoided this situation well today was our 5th class meeting. So, if I can gain the courage to just say hey and talk to her....is it too late??? I just don't know how to approach her...so I avoid looking at her completely. She hasn't said anything to me either though, but I think that's because she thinks that I think I'm better than her or something...but that is totally not the case, it is the complete opposite!! I want to know how she is doing after all these years of not talking to her cause we didn't go to the same school, and we were best friends throughout elementary school. I don't know why I feel so awkward about it, and now that I have waited so long to talk to her I feel like it would be even more awkward if I talked to her next time........I wish I didn't get so nervous and just did it. :(

any suggestions will help. Thank you for your time and everything else!

[greenlydia]

Do you have difficulty talking to other people, or is it just this old friend?
If I was HER and you made it a point to never look at me directly or approach me, I MIGHT get the feeling that you wanted nothing to do with me. But, on the other hand, you say SHE hasn't made any effort to reach out either. Did you two part as friends or was there a problem that never got resolved?
If you REALLY want to talk to this person, then just take a deep breath and do it! Don't try to make it look like you just "suddenly" recognized her, that kind of deception will only increase your anxiety. I would just walk up to her and say "I'm sorry that I haven't said anything before this, I felt awkward and didn't know how to approach you." Just be honest about your feelings! Your fear that she thinks you think you're better than her will evaporate when you give her a hug and tell her how happy you are to see her again. Invite her for a coffee and some catch up time after class........it's my guess she'll be even more relieved than you! You've got nothing to lose but a great deal to gain. Take the chance!
I'm not saying it won't be difficult, but I think you've turned this into a much more traumatic event than it warrants. It's never too late and it's better late than never! So grab the bull by the horns, hike up your girdle and just march up to her! I have a feeling you'll be very glad you did.
Let us know how it turned out, OK?
Peace
Greenlydia    

[veggielover]

Thanks. I have trouble talking to my own friends in general, so let alone one that I haven't talked to in years. We didn't have a fight or anything, we just sort of went our separate ways since we also went to different schools. I have class with her tomorrow, so I'm going to try to conquer this fear, I really want to do this! The only other thing is I don't know if I should do it during class, or after.....I guess I will just have go with the flow and see what happens. I don't think I've ever really invited someone for coffee haha so that would be really nerve wracking too. I don't know why, but I have a problem hugging people too, it makes me feel awkward so I don't know what that is about. I just never know if I should or not. I'll let you know how it goes.

[mifegr]

I totally agree with the woman above me.  Your insecure.  A lot of people are that are your age.  Including the girl who is sitting behind you.  She will appreciate it if you talk to her.  She may not have said anything because she may just be even more insecure than you.  Just smile and say something like..."Do you remember me?  I'm -------------."  Once you two start talking your going to be friends for life.  Trust me.  She'll be thrilled that you opened the door.

[Faith138]

ALL OF US ARE INSECURE TO A CERTAIN POINT.  Don't worry or feel "weird" about it.  I too have been in similiar situations.  Just remember this..No one else knows what you are thinking...EVER.  Just smile...fake it till you make it, and when conversation starts to flow you will find that insecurity fade away!

[emilyb6]

i have the same problem ! it's just so weird to look at my friend and something holds you back from even saying hi ! this problem is really serious as my friends think that i think i'm better than them and i don't want to talk to them even though in my mind , i wish if they could come to me and say hi ! i can't do the first move AT ALL !