Coping with Formal Occasions
I'm now on Day 23, and thought that things were beginning to feel very slightly easier. I coped with a major family problem at the end of last week - but today's challenge has been especially tough.
I am attending an academic conference away from home, and this first evening has included a drinks reception with everyone standing around making small talk and eating hors d'oeuvres with waiters parading round with tray-loads of free drinks like a human conveyor belt, offering inhumane temptation. I'm a serious introvert and know no-one else in the room, so the small talk is hard work. Then we're off to a local pub for something more substantial to eat. More chit-chat and plenty of folks getting nicely lubricated. Meanwhile, I'm feeling fed up and bloated on the back of yet another bottle of pepsi or fizzy water! But I can't leave without looking totally anti-social.
Had to keep reciting a silent mantra: "alcohol is poison" !
'Can't pretend it was easy.
Any tips anyone for coping with social occasions - especially if you're a fellow introvert?
Thanks. AL&J