I hadn't thought I was making any progress until I saw my T on Thursday and told her that I had left a social gathering when it got too much. She pointed out that this was me looking out for myself and you know what - she was right! Before I would have stayed, becoming increasingly uncomfortable, afraid to leave for fear of hurting anyone's feelings and would then have avoided going again next time probably. Instead I politely made my apologies, without giving reason and left, without feeling guilty. I have also spoken to the host since and she didn't mention it at all, we even have dinner planned this week.

So, just because I left she didn't think I had abandoned her, or that I didn't like her or anything along those lines, (well, I didn't ask her upfront but I didn't get that feeling from her). And because she didn't think like that then maybe I can start to think that when people don't return my phone calls or have to cancel on plans made that it isn't that they don't like me or find me too much or that they have had enough of me etc etc etc.

I think it will take a while to fully cement this into my belief systems but I think that this might be progress. Thanks T, I will certainly miss you!