Is it normal is it to be afraid of other people?
I'd describe my fear from a mix of things:
1) Severe auditory/sensory issues - My emotions react to noise/touch like a jittery wild animal. Needless to say, it is at times all I can do not to bolt.
2) Judgement - I am afraid of other's judgement, and I jusge myself based on what I perceive in them - the fact that people leave me alone to me signals that there is something wrong with me, that I should be ostracized. (In turn, this feeds a hunger to do everything in an "I'll show them" approach)
3) Having to break away from a "prudish" heritage (family anti-gay, somewhat racist, relationships, internet etc. - I was raised to be a serious child, and I am now going to a "liberal" college) So, I am always out of the loop, which creates anxiety, and I have to explain to both my family and friends that I could care less about the issues of marriage equality.