When you have to be at these events is there some reason you can't go off by yourself every half hour or so for some fresh air - and a couple minutes by yourself? It is much more difficult to bounce back after you are already feeling tired and drained, but if you can do something to prevent reaching that point it is much easier to feel better.

And I do agree with you. Being alone is nice. I also remember there were times in my life when I felt like I was too alone, though, and I didn't have a choice in the matter of being alone. It can be as painful as not being able to go off by myself and relax. What I'm trying to say is that I think part of it is being stuck in a situation where the choice has been taken away.