Social anxiety moments are found all over the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. But that shouldn’t be surprising. When a fun, diverse, and colorful group like the Guardians are put together, we can expect some interesting and hilarious social moments, especially during Christmas time.
Unless you’re interested in the dance off to save the universe, I suggest you get an idea about social anxiety before you continue.
Social Anxiety Moments in Guardians of the Galaxy
Drax and Mantis go to Earth
Taking Pictures with strangers
Look lets be clear about something here. Celebrities are constantly taking photos with their fans. Its nothing new. But imagine you get anxiety from meeting new people and sparking conversations with others. It would be really hard to jump into the spotlight on a random street of tourists and take photos all day. Mantis and Drax definitely don’t have social anxiety because, well… look at them. But if they did, there is no way in the galaxy they would have taken photos with strangers all day while being the center of attention.
Going to a Nightclub
It’s the same concept for partying at a night club. In the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, we saw Drax and Mantis go into a night club, take in a good amount of liquor, and then dance the night away with a bunch of people. Just going into a night club is a deathly social trap for people with social anxiety. Being in a place where you are expected to dance, start a dialogue, and interact with so many people is the last place an social anxiety sufferer wants to be.
meeting a famous legend
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, 2022.
Meeting a person of who commands high level of respect can cause anxiety in anyone. So for Drax and Mantis to meet someone who they believe is “legendary”, Kevin Bacon, you could imagine how anxious they would be. Well, maybe not them specifically because they are apparently socially fearless. But anyone else would definitely be nervous meeting a real-life legend. Let alone, kidnapping that real-life legend.
Kevin Bacon performs
Drax and Mantis succeed on their mission to bring Kevin Bacon to Knowhere as a Christmas present for Peter. Kevin Bacon freaks out for a bit, but then decides to bring Christmas to Peter and the people of Knowhere by putting on a live performance. Bacon sings in front of a crowd while the band playing behind him rock the night. He succeeds in spreading holiday joy to everyone around him.
Now normally, a live performance would not be considered social anxiety per se, but rather it would be considered performance anxiety. But there is still a degree of social anxiety in Kevin Bacon’s performance. He was built up as a legend by Peter and Guardians. A legend cannot fail, especially if he is responsible for bringing Christmas joy to everyone. Because if he does fail, you can only imagine how awkward those conversations would be afterwards.
Nebula is uncomfortable
Has anyone else noticed how uncomfortable Nebula looks during this Holiday Special. She isn’t merry or cheerful, although everyone surrounding her is. And when the lights come on, she isn’t very impressed. Nebula doesn’t participate much in the Guardians holiday hug, as we saw toward the end of the show. She just kind of pats people on their back gesturing that she is merry and lovable. And when she gave Rocket his Christmas gift, she even said “Merry Christmas” as if it were forced out. Definitely a huge contrast to everyone else’s holiday cheer.
In all actuality, Nebula might be the closest one out of everyone in the MCU who suffers from social anxiety.