I've suffered from severe social and generalized anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember. It wasn't until a few years ago that I sought help. After a year, my anxiety was much more manageable and I've been doing very well ever since. I was able to complete university and get a job in customer service, of all things. I was recently promoted and am enjoying it thoroughly.

My problem is, for all the progress I've made, dating seems to be my one area left to tackle. I have never dated before in my life. There is a guy from work and we've been friends since I started there. Since I was promoted, we've been getting to know each other better. A week ago, we went to a movie with my brother and his girlfriend and we had a great time. The next week, we did the same thing. The problem is, we work at the only theatre in town, so people notice pretty quickly when you're socializing outside of work hours. We both work minimum (or near minimum) wage jobs, so it's more convenient to just go to a show, as we get in for free. I've just started to have mini-panic attacks again. I think it's just the pressure of trying to figure out what dating is as I've never done it before and knowing that everyone at work is aware of it.

I know the obvious is to not hang out at the theatre, but aside from that, how do you cope with the extra attention and questions? Is there a better way to deal with this anxiety?