Self Effacing: Making Myself Disappear

(Posted this in another thread 'cause I wasn't sure where to put it )

While I know that its not necessarily the healthiest course of actions, I tend to self efface and I, honestly, prefer it that way. Problem is, tomorrow we are having a big "intimate" family dinner (like 20 little ones, all of their parents, many of the grand parents, etc.) and they are a very loud (but friendly) group of people. The problem is, it will be an hour and a half away from home and I won't be able to escape when I get tired/bored/grumpy.

I was counting on my new phone to get here today and "setting it up" to be my distraction (i've never had a "fancy" phone so plenty to learn), but now I will have nothing to distract me (lost my old phone). I plan to take a book, but I always get the "what are you reading, what's it about" questions, not to mention it can come off a little antisocial. My family likes to know how everything and everyone is, they want to play games, have a talent show and a modeling show (which they recruited me for and I couldn't say no and be polite).

Don't get me wrong, its all great stuff and a lot of fun but after a few hours sometimes I just shut down and don't have anything left to say to anyone and then it gets awkward because i'm smiling and trying to keep up appearances but it just stresses me out on the inside. Thats when I turn to my phone .... that I don't have.

Do you have any tips on how I can self efface in this helpless situation?

How many hours, will you be there for? I liked the suggestion in the other forum, was it other emotional health or general? Be engaging or keep busy, to as not draw attention from another who may feel, like they are trying to include you, as with a cell phone and/or book you'd look like you were being left out?

Its a very good point. I didn't realize that by drawing into myself it could appear that I was being left out/cause more attention. I can't believe in all these years I never realized that. Our house is doing something for 2-3 hours here, then we are going to drive there and then we'll be there likely for at least seven to nine hours or more. Thanks for the advice!

Mission for the day: blend in.

Something that I do: I try to take control of MY alone time when at these family gatherings.
Excuse yourself and go outside every hour or so (as needed) to 're-charge' your brain/emotions/persona. Others may be curious and question your 'need' to separate from the crowd; just be honest... let them know your personality calls for ALONE time to regroup and ask that they please respect your needs.

Believe me.. it will make these loud and 'mandatory open-door' events more bearable.
Good Luck !!!!