Thanks everyone. I took Pondlady's suggestion about ordering food. Just my sister, her boyfriend and I meandered over to the outdoor restaurant part, which had a riverside view, and the food we ordered was really good! We had some good conversation too and I felt so much more comfortable and happier. They did not get drunk or at least not drunk like I would have gotten-- I really don't understand how some people can have 5 or 6 beers over the course of a long evening... We would have been downing shots if I'd been drinking! Anyway I am done with all of that and am learning in what situations I'm most and least comfortable. I'm in bed now and it feels great.
thanks again for all the support.