Article content· Sometimes people will engage in superstitious-like behaviours, called safety behaviours, that they believe help protect them from bad things happening when they have to approach an anxiety-provoking situation. This could be carrying a special gem in their pocket, using notecards, looking at the floor, crossing their arms, or bringing a safety person. The problem with safety behaviours is that they might be given false credit for protecting against a bad thing happening, when in reality, maybe the bad thing wouldn’t have happened even if they weren’t using the safety behaviours. And, because of this, safety behaviours can sometimes maintain or even strengthen anxiety in social situations over time. As such, it is important to become aware of your safety behaviours and then make an intentional choice not to do them when approaching anxiety-provoking situations.