I combat my anxiety by forcing upon myself an air of sociability. I behave as though I were extremely gregrious.

One coping skill I have is to make myself 'busy'. I will help in the kitchen with preparation or clean-up.I am the one offering to make coffee or fetch drinks. At larger events I find myself vountarily picking up dirty plates or helping with take down. Those situatons where I can't find something to do are the ones that are agonizing for me.

It takes a hell of a lot of effort to do so. I am fearful mostly the entre time. No sooner is the event over and I still can't relax. I spiral into worry about what people thought of me: had I made a fool of myself? are they laughing at me? cn I ever face these people again?

In the end. I DO feel utterly exhausted.