Crowds always triggered me — busy cafés, parties, subway stations, someone talking on the phone next to me loudly. I'd feel the anxiety rising but had no graceful way to leave without drawing attention.

I usually try wearing my AirPods and listening to music to evade talks happening around me. But not every time I can wear earphones and listen to music.

One day, my phone rang right when I felt trapped. Answering it gave me the perfect out. Suddenly I wasn't "that person freaking out," I was just "someone who got a call." That shift was a lifesaver. Now I trigger a call whenever I feel panic building. It sounds so simple, but it breaks the spiral and gives me a believable exit every time.

Now I'm building an app that phone calls me whenever I need it.