Social event tonight - experiencing anxiety and fear

[LittleWolf]

Tonight I'm going to a party for a family member's sports team, where the entire team and their families will be present. I'll be required to socialize, and that makes me anxious. Simply being around all those people makes me scared, but mingling is something that makes me literally quake. I always have the same thoughts run through my head on loop - "Am I underdressed? Am I overdressed? Should I have washed my hair more? Is my voice grating? Do they even care what I have to say? Does my presence make people uncomfortable? Do they even want me here?" But I have to go, and all I want to do is sit at home and listen to Slipknot scream in my ears.. I need advice. Anything that could help me keep from freaking out would be greatly appreciated. <3

[Bellatrix]

Just be you. You are you and the people who don't like that are you peplr you don't want to be spending time with. yuou'll find that some people like you nd ome dont't - that's life.

All you can do is be a good warm, friendly prson.

socilising is tough at the best of time! i generally resultin needing to take a call or going to the other room to help prepare snack.

[Steel Maiden]

Why do you have to go? If it were me, I'd just say no thanks I'd rather stay at home. With that I haven't been to a party for 7 years (last one nearly got me sectioned).

[LittleWolf]

Because I'm not allowed to stay home alone, and both of my parents were going.

[Steel Maiden]

I see. That is unfortunate.