roommate just caught me pacing

[debbie downer]

this has never happened before in the 3 years i've lived with roommates. i was pacing in circles around the kitchen (and it's the middle of the night) and my roommate walked in and i scared her so badly. it basically looked like i was charging right at her (even though that's not what i was doing at all). in my mind i'm just pacing, but to anyone else it looks and sounds like i am running at full speed and stomping my feet very loudly (i know this from my mom). i am extremely embarrassed and don't know what to do. i hate this so much

[Dreamer]

I can empathize! One of the biggest reliefs of finding out a name for this and that it is a real thing, is that I have been able to talk with other people about it, including my partner and the people that I live with. In the past, I would be so scared of being caught pacing, fighting air, talking to myself. How would I explain it? I would tell people that I, "Pretended," but I didn't have much more of an answer than this. Now I can say, "Hey, i do this thing called Maladaptive Daydreaming." I know that it can feel embarrassing or scary, but is it possible to tell your roommates what you are experiencing? That might make them feel less scared and make you feel more comfortable being yourself in your home. 

[SJ]

I know how you feel I tend to listen to music and pace around the house when no-one is home. The problem with listening  to music is I don't hear if anyone comes home earlier and I've been caught by my dad a few times.  I tend to pretend I've put my earphones in to clean the house and listen to music. 

[Damask]

I know that feeling.  I hate it when people catch me pacing.  A lot of times I try to play if off as nothing but I can't help wonder what all they saw.