Recently began a new temporary job and I was terrified tbh both socially being around lots of new people and because I've not worked in a while getting used to the schedule again but I shocked myself and was somehow super confident as if a switch flicked in my brain. The anxiety was barely there at all to be honest.
It helps that everyone there is super nice, friendly and welcoming. But I'm actually able to make small talk with people whereas before I couldn't or I'd think what's the point it's just saying random pointless stuff for the sake of it. I had 0 interest in other peoples lives which was pretty selfish tbh but I couldn't help it as thats how my brain worked, maybe it was cope for me not wanting to engage with people because of my anxiety and justifying that. But it was actually nice getting to know people and even discovering some common interests. It actually makes the monotonous work and long days a bit nicer when people are nice.
With it being a new place I could create a version of myself that isn't so quiet and silent all the time as there's no expectations of how I am yet. Hoping this progress continues and it's not just a fluke.