How to deal with social anxiety at Prom?

[ScoobyDoo32]

Hi I'm 17, junior in high school. I have been dealing with social anxiety for years. My boyfriend of 6 months asked me to prom which I didn't want to go since I dislike my school and the dances plus my anxiety. It's my boyfriend's last year so I just said yes. I'm so afraid that something bad will happen to me like embarrassing because I always get into awkward embarrassing situations...it's ridiculous. I start to get really sweaty and my heart starts beating.

I'm going to the senior prom which I don't know anyone except my boyfriend and his friend. It's going to be a dinner which I am SO freaked out because there will be a lot of people and we probably won't even get a seat or just stand awkwardly while people stare at me and think "What a loser! I see her all the time alone. " I just don't want to go at all. I just feel like something embarrassing will happen. I hate myself so much. I wish I didn't care and wish I was normal and calm. Please help?

[janaesaisquoi]

It is important not to try so hard to keep something embarrassing from happening, but to try to control your reactions to embarrassing situations. It may sound like an oversimplification, but the anxiety you will or will not feel has everything to do with the power you give to the situation.

I, too, suffer from anxiety. I find that when I really think about what a potentially embarrassing situation would mean to me and how it would affect my life, I realize that it won't be the end of the world or define who I am as a person. The more deeply you accept this fact, the less overwhelmed you will feel in embarrassing situations.

Like Keyspirits said, asking your boyfriend to try not to leave you by yourself for extended periods will help you feel more at ease and comfortable in your own skin. I'm sure he cares about you and doesn't want you to feel out of place.

Also, if your boyfriend's friend has a date, try to be friendly with her. Girls tend to look out for each other.

Most importantly, open your mind to the possibility that this may be fun and exciting for you. You have someone who cares about you and wants you to be a part of this rare experience. That should be very reassuring that you are a likeable person, and other people will like you too (whether he remains in your life forever or not).

[Keyspirits]

Its best to tell ur bf about ur situation that way u can be at ease when he knows how u feel and knows what ur problem is.

[Ferruccio77]

This is the solution you need. And the only one you're going to be comfortable with since you're going just with him.

My tip is:
Think before you speak. Dress to look elegant and smart, dont overdo makeup. Listen, the hostility which you imagine is never, not a single ounce coming from guys at all. In fact guys like you, that you are younger.

Remember you have a bf for a reason and he's support to protect ylu and make you feel safe. Dont make any enemies with anyone especially to other girls. You will be fine. Only embarassing thing youd do is if you were drunk. Say no and be firm to what you dont want.
If you are shy, speak softly and smile a little. You dont have to speak a lot anyway. Find some girl friends to hangout. Anything else feel free to ask

[Anonymous]

Take me with, we'll have a blast and blast away that social anxiety! :D

[Metal189]

proms not something you want to miss