One of the most recognizable symptoms of avoidant personality disorder is an intense feeling of discomfort in social situations, beyond what might be considered "normal" shyness. People with this disorder may appear scared or extremely tense whenever they are in a situation that requires them to interact with other people. People with avoidant personality disorder often do not have any close friends or romantic relationships. This may be due to the fact that they often consider themselves socially inept.  When they do get involved in romantic relationships, people with avoidant personality disorder are likely to still display extreme restraint due to an intense fear of rejection. Although they have a difficult time forging close relationships with others, most people with avoidant personality disorder want close relationships and may have detailed fantasies about what it would be like to have them. People who have avoidant personality disorder tend to avoid situations that would involve interactions with other people. This may involve school, work, or recreational activities.  Many people with avoidant personality disorder also avoid any activities that are new or unfamiliar, for fear of embarrassing themselves. People with avoidant personality disorder tend to be extremely sensitive to criticism, or even to perceived criticism. They may constantly feel that others are judging them, even when they are reassured to the contrary.  Some people with avoidant personality disorder will avoid activities that they believe they will do poorly at in order to avoid being criticized for their poor performance. They may expect to be criticized in situations that other people would not take seriously, such as a game. People with avoidant personality disorder tend to overestimate the negative aspects of situations. You may notice that they fixate on potential problems and make them seem much more serious than they are.
Look for extreme shyness. Pay attention to social relationships. Notice what kinds of activities are avoided. Watch the response to criticism. Note an exaggerated sense of negativity.