A question for my Shy, Insecure, Socially Anxious Sisters!! How do you do it???

[XUfan]

OK...here's the story:

On Sunday afternoon, I am invited to a baby shower. It's for my son's fiancee. It's only 3 hours, but for someone like me, who hates to be in a room full of people I don't know...it will seem like THREE DAYS!

Last week, she told me that it's "for everyone". In other words, the husbands, kids, etc. are all going to be there. This is good, since I'm much more comfortable with my husband around (although he really would like to skip it too!). But it's bad, because all of her family, including her parents will be there. And we've never met any of them!! So, not only will I be in a big group of people, I can't just "blend in to the woodwork" because she'll be introducing me to everyone!

And don't get me started on those stupid games!! I hate doing things that make me look silly! Seriously...I've been known to cry in situations like this! I'm not looking forward to this!

Is anyone else terrified in social gatherings? How do you handle it? I'd make an excuse and not go if it was just a friend or a more distant relative. But it's my son...so I have to go.

Help!!!!

[chitownmelli]

I'll PM you, XU, I have terrible anxiety attacks and know just what to do :)

[CRAFTYJEN]

Sorry to hear your struggling with this, I believe there are several things you could do to help including going to the party early and meeting her parents without the whole world looking on, ask to have a "job" @ the party so you can be busy and don't have to mingle ... you'll be contributing to the success of the party and helping yourself also. Chances are your son already knows your anxious about gatherings but he should also let your future DIL know so she does not insist on your playing of the games etc. Are you comfortable with your future DIL ? I hope you are able to enjoy the party and the excitement of your upcoming grandchild.

[Doglover8180]

I think it's good to go - because you said it is for your son's fiancee, meaning there will be a wedding coming soon so if you have already met and been introduced to everyone at this shower, it will make the wedding less stressful and anxious for you.

[3timesoccermom]

Maybe try getting there a little early so you don't walk in with a lot of people already there. Plus you get introduced to them in the beginning so you kind of know who is who. I have had events like that to attend and in all honesty, they usually turn out to be an event where I think "I'm so glad I went." Hope it does for you too.

[CouponQueen23]

I am sorry you deal with this... I really and truly know how you feel. I have been there and done cried in situations like that too.. The most recent bridal shower I thought I was going to have my heart pound out of my chest. It was my Dh cousins fiance and I knew all my Dh aunts and female cousins that were there and there was a lot of her family there. When they went around the room they wanted us all to inter deuce our self and how we knew the bride to be and our ingredient for what makes love last. I could feel my face burning red while everyone looked at me like they were concerned that something was wrong with me. Sometimes I just let it out I am panicky in crowds and feel panicky to speak in crowds. It doesn't come naturally for everyone. Some of struggle with it..

[3timesoccermom]

Ugh!!!!! I think I would have barfed. I'm sure they weren't thinking something was wrong with you though!

. . . . When they went around the room they wanted us all to inter deuce our self and how we knew the bride to be and our ingredient for what makes love last. I could feel my face burning red while everyone looked at me like they were concerned that something was wrong with me...

[XUfan]

Thanks everyone! And thank you to the people who sent me PMs about this too. I still don't quite know how I'll get through the day...but I'll do it. I knew from the start that I had to go. That was never a question. I was just hoping for some tips on how to get through it without going nuts! LOL!! Thanks for all of your help!

[fungirl2727]

Drink a few beers before you to bridal shower. If your hubby is driving you will be fine.

[XUfan]

Drink a few beers before you to bridal shower. If your hubby is driving you will be fine.

LOL!!! That wouldn't work for me. Drinking makes me sleepy!! I doubt that I'd make a good first impression with my head on the table, leaving a puddle of drool!