Help, we are having a bbq at my house and I have social anxiety! What do I do :(?

[Anonymous]

I am super scared, i guess my problems socially are getting worse and i haven't gone to or had a party in years. I am really getting scared about everything and the last thing i want is to make a scene and have a panic attack when people are in my house. I would ask my best friend to come and comfort me but my best friend is going on a family trip today. Can someone please please give me so advice or just help out?

[UncagedAgent]

I'd say for starters, park yourself in or very near the area people are walking in from. Try and greet them when the walk in. If you have to, pretend your a character who is confident, Tony Stark for example, and mimic their behaviors. Walk with your head high and a smile. Also have a drink in your hand or where you're sitting so you have an excuse to not talk for a few seconds if you need to collect your thoughts or take a break.
Personally I used to have social anxiety as well. Parties and gatherings actually help get rid of it. I had to do a presentation for a few hundred people when I was in 7th grade. I was with my dad at an investing conference and I had a 30-45 minute presentation. I was nervous before but when I got on stage I pretended I was the president, i stood taller, widened my shoulders, and in no time I was comfortable. If you just take small steps with all the guests, ask how they're doing and if they want a drink you give yourself an excuse to start and ditch conversations.

BUT CARRY A DRINK so if you run out of things to talk about you can just leave. that person and move on to the next. You'll be fine if you stay confident/

[Asker]

ThAnks so much i apreciate your response, i don't think i'm at the point where i can greet people Like that but everything else helped thank you

[Anonymous]

If you feel a panic attack coming on try to slow down your breathing. Nice and slow. And remember, they're just humans. Same as you. Nothing to worry about, you'll be fine :)

So the key word is!…. Relaxxxxxxx

[Asker]

Thank you so much!!! Slow breathing is Helping already! I don't know why i always finD it comforting when people tell me "You'll be fine" i feel a bit Better thanks for youR response

[Opinion Owner]

No problem. And you know what? You are super confident talking on here. So you've got it inside you. You've just gotta train yourself to let it out when you're with people. It takes time but you can do it! Keep trying and believe in yourself. You'll get there. Never doubt yourself because you're just as good as everyone else out there. How do I know this? Because i used to be in your shoes once :)

[Asker]

This really made me smile. I appreciate it, you are really kind. :) made a difference which nobody else on here has to me :) lord

[Opinion Owner]

You're most welcome. Don't stop believing in yourself and know that confident person is inside you. You've just gotta let it out :D

[MindYourEyes]

I'd be your BBQ buddy XD
Hmm just say hi and whoever feels approachable n chill just hang with them

[Asker]

Yay bbq buddy! Thanks

[MindYourEyes]

That's what I always do! And we are both the same way so then it's comforting haha.

[Octavius]

Do you have other friends that can come and hang out with you during the bbq?

[Asker]

Nope