It is not that you hate people you just feel like your every move is being judged on a giant invisible scoreboard. Small talk feels like a performance review. This one is for the brain that treats every hello like a high-stakes performance review. The hat will not write your small talk for you, but it does function as a subtle sign that if you seem awkward, you are not doing it on purpose. It is a quiet flex that says "I showed up" even when your amygdala voted to stay home.

This diagnosis is given when fear of embarrassment or negative evaluation in social or performance situations is intense and persistent. People may avoid conversations parties presentations or even eating in front of others and the anxiety significantly interferes with work school or relationships. The criteria revolve around fear of negative evaluation and avoidance of social situations. They never quite convey the post conversation replay loop or the way casual interactions can feel like public speaking. The hat adds an unofficial note that showing up at all is clinically significant bravery.