Going to a part for the first time EVER? Anxious, help...

This might be the silliest question ever but help me, seriously. I might "have to" go to a friends birthday related party this weekend. She´s turning 18 and invited me and my other friend, as well as other people i have never met.

Problem is: I´m an anxious mess, i don´t know if i should drink or what people do at parties, do i talk to people or is it okay if i just hide in a corner what do i do help

How does one with social anxiety go to a party??? Without being scared and awkward?

PS 1 (I could just stay home, but i´m afraid my friend will take it badly and the other friend i promised to go with would not be happy.....)

PS 2 (There´ll be boys there and i´ve literally never been in any situation where boys are present that isn´t school, i don´t like them and they make me terrified for no reason)

MAKE ME NOT EMBARRASS MYSELF PLS

I get anxious at parties too, but have a couple of things I have done. I hope these help you.

One option is to tell the friend you promised to go with (or the birthday friend) that you get anxious at parties. You would have to decide how comfortable you feel telling either one of them. By letting a friend know, they can help you get through the party if they are truly a good friend. It gives you support and someone to be around to help make you feel more at ease. They might even appreciate having you help them get through the party too.

Another option is to decide not to go. You do have the right to decide and never 'have to'. When I do that, I try to make sure the person knows it doesn't have anything to do with them.

A third option is to go to the party and if it turns out awkward, find a way to exit without much notice. I've left parties by quietly telling the person that I wasn't feeling great and was leaving early.

Thank you! Those are good suggestions. My plan is to show up, and then leave early. I mean i want to go, because i feel pathetic having never been to a party in my life. Plus it´d make my ex jealous....