Anyone else really uncomfortable taking pictures in public?

I don't know if this constitutes as 'social anxiety' because I can't imagine many other people being comfortable. Whenever I try to take photos in public, everyone around me starts to gawk at me and then I feel like they think I'm narcissistic/all about myself when I just want to create memories.

It stinks because I bought a 'professional' DSLR a year ago and ever since I've been too nervous to bring it outside and take pictures when I'm out because I feel like I'll attract so much attention considering how much I get when trying to take a simple iPhone picture.

Anyone else have this experience (with people starting to stare) or feel uncomfortable doing this?

Even the pros can be made uncomfortable by some people.

If subjects feel as though the shooter is trying to exploit them,
many people will be turned off.

No one desires to be unwillingly portrayed negatively.
Simple gesture using body language often enough to put people at ease
Slight nod in their direction, acknowledging to subjects
"hey you're having fun, I'd like to be part of it"… Is all you will need

DSLR's can be a bit intimidating to street crowds.
I do the bulk of my street shooting with DSLR's, but I still use
film SLR's or a point & shoot because they're smaller rigs
and not as physically intimidating.
Those jewel like leica rangefinders are perfect, albeit expensive.
Large zoom mounted on your rig will be bulky to carry also.
I think you'll find a walkabout using a small fixed focal length will work out best