What about making the last-minute decision not to go? If you haven’t found adequate ways to cope with your anxiety or you feel as though you are in the middle of a crisis, it is probably better to stay home and vow to be better prepared next time. If possible, call the host to let them know that something has come up and that you won’t be there.
A lavender bath Good book Favorite hobby Workout
This will give you time to put thought into your choices and to ask others for advice if you are unsure about what to bring. Typical gifts for the host might include:
Bottle of wine (if they drink alcohol)DessertFlowers or a plantKitchen accessory or utensil (think unusual, something the host might not buy for themself)
“The food looks really good"“Perfect weather for an outdoor party”
If the person does not reciprocate, try again with someone else. The best way to enter a group at a party is through the introduction of one of its members. If you see someone break apart from a group, try approaching that person one-on-one.
Current eventsFavorite moviesMusicRestaurantsSports
Ask questions and try to find common interests with others. Make sure that your questions are open-ended and encourage conversation. For example, it’s better to ask, “How do you like being a veterinarian?” than “So, you are a veterinarian?” Be sure to also listen to the answers rather than waiting to jump in with your own comment. One way to make sure you listen well is to plan to tell someone else what you learned from the conversation. This will encourage you to ask questions and pay attention. If you do drink, do so in moderation and eat food to offset the effects of the alcohol. If eating in front of others is an anxiety trigger for you, make sure to eat at least a little something before you go, to be on the safe side. The goal is to get to know the people at the party and feel more comfortable with them. You might find after a rousing game of pictionary or some bocce ball that you’ve developed a bond with your new friends. If on the other hand, you don’t think that you can stay the entire time, know that it is OK to slip away early. Feel good for staying as long as you did.
