I pit being an extrovert with social phobia or whatever it is that I have.
Upon receiving the invitation: A wine tasting party? How fun! Sure, I’ll go. Yep, this will be fun. Excellent. I like all these people. It will be good to see them again. I can’t wait.
About a week before the event: Oh, right. That party is next weekend. Well, I’m sure I will enjoy it. Yes, I know will.
Couple days before the party: Why did I say I would go to this party. I’m so tired. I just want to stay in all weekend. I could say I’m sick or something came up. I could come up with a plausible excuse. Oh, crap, I’m bringing some of the wine. I can’t really cancel. Why do I do this to myself?
The day before: Shit. Shit. Shit. Why did I say I would go to this party? Why did she even invite me? I don’t really know these people. They probably don’t even like me. She probably felt she had to invite me. I don’t really like them. What if I say stupid things? what if no one talks to me? I could say I’m sick. They would understand. No, I can’t do that. I have to go. I owe it to myself and them to try to make it.
The day of the party: I could say I have a migraine. But what if I used that last time? Ok, I will go, but I’ll leave after an hour. I’ll say I have to be up early. (Nerves, nervous stomach all day long).
Leaving for and driving to the party: Brave face, you can do it. Just smile and be yourself. They will be polite. Deep breaths. Relax. (Stomach totally in knots)
Five minutes after arriving: What as I so worried about? Why am I like this? See, they do like me. At least they seem happy I’m here. And I do like them. Why do I get so freaky about stuff like this? This is really nice. I’m so glad I came. (proceed to have wonderful evening)
Right now I am at the “Day of party” step. Typing all this out helped. The thing is, no matter how much I know that the last step will occur, and I will have a wonderful time, I go through all the other steps. Even when I get control of my negative thoughts, physically I am still there with the nervousness all day.