I do the same, every time I have to go out to eat, some kind of gathering, I also have to be where I can see the door and get out quickly if need be. Can't do airplanes because of my ear, but I can't ride buses (the thought of someone sitting beside me their arm touching me... being stuck ) so I definitely couldn't handle airplanes for that reason as well.
Saw my T Friday, she suggested something I hadn't heard before to try to change the way I am thinking. She said to do things with my left hand ( I'm a righty ), This takes so much concentration that it seems to be taking over my subconscious freak outs.
Thank you all for your suggestions... I really appreciate them all