[LittleForgetMeNot]

I've been invited to hang out with my friend and his friends next week. I've never met these people before, I have no idea who they are, what they're like. I live in a different neighbourhood than they do and everything.. My anxiety is something I worry about. I'm not too bad with one on one, but the last time I hung out with friends of friends I became "one with the background" and didn't talk or even walk beside them. I just trailed along behind in my own little world. Sad that I couldn't feel okay and join but more comfortable than I would be trying to pay attention.

My friend is trying to persuade me to come along obviously unaware of how this really troubles me but inside I don't want to. I keep trying to find ways to get out of this.. I just can't see how I can survive being the "extra wheel". Meeting and hanging out with a whole bunch of people at once.. Not ready for it.

[Can't Stop Crying]

Maybe this time will be different? You've shown increasing strength in your posts here - maybe you are ready to give this a try. I know you're scared, but I believe in you and I think your friend does too! I say go for it...it could be a wonderful experience where you meet new people. I have faith in you LFMN. You CAN do it!

[eskielover]

Either that, or your gut feeling may be telling you something important. Maybe you need to know more about those people before you HANG out with them. If you really don't know them or know what they are like.....maybe it's best to wait until you get to know them better in a different situation than you feel you are getting placed into at this point.

It's just safer to know what people are like & what their interests are before jumping in head first with people you don't know.JMO from my older age perspective

[LittleForgetMeNot]

I don't know.. I'm always that "weird girl" when people first meet me. Yet I don't want to think back and wonder "what if". I don't want to spend hours lost and forgotten in a crowd I don't know.. or the extra wheel in a crowd I don't belong in.. It freaks me out for one, and for two I just never enjoyed large expeditions? On the other hand this might be a good opportunity to meet new friends.. I have no idea what to do. Right now I'm giving the impression I'm not going but I'll be seeing this friend alone in a few days.. maybe talking in person will get me convinced.

[eskielover]

Sounds like you are still trying to find yourself & it does take trying different things & seeing where you are comfortable & where you aren't.....but you have be know to feel secure with when you don't feel good about a situation. I have learned over the years.....I'm 58 now....but my gut feelings are something I can usually trust in now. I still find myself in some situations that I end up having problems in...but mostly.....I let my gut feelings be my guide.