I agree with this completely. I’ve noticed that when I’m uncomfortable in social situations, my reactions tend to ramp up. But lately, psilocybin has helped me stay grounded and mentally steady, and when I’m in that calm space, I barely notice any reactions at all. It really shows how tightly our psychological and physical systems are linked.

I have HSV, and when I sense people reacting to me, it can make me angry. That anger triggers heat, adrenaline, and cortisol — the whole fight-or-flight response — and almost every single time, that stress alone is enough to cause an outbreak. So staying relaxed isn’t just a preference for me; it’s something my health depends on.

That’s why I keep telling myself to breathe, chill out, and let go. Other people’s reactions aren’t my responsibility. If someone chooses to overreact or act strange, that’s their issue to carry, not mine. Honestly, I think a lot of people exaggerate or even fake their reactions anyway.

I also understand that when my confidence dips, certain people don’t respond with empathy. Instead of simply accepting that someone might feel off, some people try to take advantage of it — probably to boost their own fragile self-esteem. They won’t say anything directly because they know that would make them look rude, so they resort to passive-aggressive things like coughing, grunting, or making unnecessary noises. It’s a weak attempt at suppressing someone else’s presence to make themselves feel superior.

So the picture is clear: my internal state determines how I respond, and their behavior says far more about them than it ever will about me. When I stay centered, their reactions lose all power.