Pretending you've seen a movie you've never seen or scrolling your phone to appear busy are both signs of FOPO.
According to Gervais, there are three aspects of FOPO: First is the anticipatory phase, which is the feelings and thoughts that race through your mind as you get ready for a social situation. So, how can you tell if you are letting another person’s opinion compromise your authenticity? According to Gervais, there are many signs that you’re dealing with FOPO, but here are some common examples:
It’s also important to hone the skills needed to deal with the tough emotions that can come up when dealing with FOPO, like anxiety or nervousness. Breath work and self-talk can help center you during the moments you’re feeling overwhelmed, Gervais said.