Posted by Dory on October 4, 2007, at 10:24:54
In reply to Re: major social anxiety attack » widget, posted by Dinah on October 4, 2007, at 10:08:13
if your husband wants you to go, then i think he has to bear some of the responsibility of seeing you through it. Stick with him and tell him he has to try to run interference for you.
i would normally say to go, because one can't run from things (or shouldn't), but in this case.. is it possible to just not go?
the best i can offer, from my own accute social anxiety, is to find as many ways as possible to ask other people questions... most people love to talk about themselves and it relieves them of having to come up with a topic or talk about one they don't know. Probe your husband for a few tidbits about various people.. who has been travelling and where, or who has had a family event.. or anything really. Then find them and ask.
one other thing.. it's a back door thing but do what you gotta do right? Make any and every interaction short... cut it short by excusing yourself by saying you have been feeling unwell all day, must be: something you ate/something going around/etc... say you need to go: to the restroom/get a tissue/take a pill/get some water/etc. You can get away with that over and over.
lastly.. your dude has to promise that the evening will be as short as possible and be willing to split if you give the signal you absolutely cannot do it any longer.
i hope this helps..
poster:Dory
thread:786828
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070929/msgs/786836.html