Not letting anyone get close to me!!!!

I have a problem with alienating myself from people from time to time. I know Ive had this problem for several years but as I get older I am starting to notice it more. I seem to get nervous around friends that I've had for a long time. My best friend and my family are the only people that I dont get nervous around. And I feel a lot more comfortable when I'm in a group of people than being 1 on 1. I can go out and have a good time with my best friend and feel comfortable, but if I'm with someone that I only talk to periodically I get nervous because I have nothing to talk about.
Ive also messed up two great relationships with girls because I never really seem to get close to them. I dont let myself get close to them.. I was put on Lexapro about 5 months ago and my sister said she can notice a difference in my demeanor but I cant really tell?? Does anyone have any suggestions or Know if this is anxiety???

[Steph4302]

How old are you now and at what age did you begin to notice this? Did you have a specific event or trigger that led you to become uncomfortable around others?

It sounds like you might have some mild social anxiety. Individuals with social anxiety fear embarrassment or rejection while in social situations. It is good that you feel comfortable in a group setting which shows that you are able to cope rather well. Can you identify what you fear about being in a 1 to 1 situation? Because you expect that you will not have anything to talk about, you are essentially having anticipatory anxiety about the situation. And with these negative expectations, you have conditioned yourself to become anxious in 1 to 1 situations. In addition, because you have had failed relationships recently, it is only reinforcing your anxiety and your negative expectations. Does that make any sense? Sorry if it doesn't, let me know and I will try to clarify.

One more questions - did you begin the Lexapro for this social anxiety or for depression? Any other mental health issues in the past? Feel free to private message me if you like.

Steph