Willpower-Social Anxiety, and the Restoration of Self-Confidence

Question:

I am a thirty-two-year-old unmarried schoolteacher. My persistent affliction is an absolute lack of self-confidence. I find myself entirely incapable of conversing with men, and at times intense hesitation paralyzes me even when speaking to other women. My face flushes crimson and my vocal tone trembles. Because I am a teacher, professional interactions with men are unavoidable. When school inspectresses—who are women—visit, my composure completely shatters. In conversations with men, I speak with downcast eyes; I cannot even sustain eye contact with my own biological brothers.

I observe all five daily prayers punctually and harbor a deep affinity for faith. My other sisters converse with everyone with natural poise and confidence. Owing to this crippling inhibition, I am unable to put my professional capabilities to use. For the sake of God, do not prescribe any other form of therapy; simply instruct a Quranic verse for daily recitation so that I may converse with both men and women with composed tranquility.

Answer:

Recite the sacred Quranic verse:

A-lā inna awliyā’a Allāhi lā khawfun ‘alayhim wa-lā hum yaḥzanūn

(أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ)

(Behold! Verily upon the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor do they grieve)

and blow upon yourself whenever preparing to enter social or professional company.

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Willpower-Social Anxiety, and the Restoration of Self-Confidence

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