How to Handle These 4 Types of Outings

When you have social anxiety, one of the things you struggle with is participating in 
activities outside the home, especially those involving people you are not around all the 
time. Here are four common outings you might need to participate in, and some tips for 
handling them with your form of anxiety.

Eating Out at a Restaurant

The first type of outing that will involve some social interactions is when you need to eat 
out at a restaurant. This may be on a date, a dinner function with co-workers, or just 
spending time with friends. While you may feel comfortable with the people you are 
with, the anxious feelings can arise when you have to talk to the waiter to give your 
order or when others are seated near you. To make it a little more comfortable, find the 
right spot to sit. Try to grab a booth, as this tends to feel a little less open and vulnerable 
than a table in the middle of the restaurant.

Parties and Special Occasions

To get out of the habit of avoiding these types of events, there are a few tricks that can 
help you deal with them. First of all, bring someone you know or find one person or a 
small group of people you have something in common with. This helps you stick to 
people who you can talk to without feeling like you are avoiding everyone entirely. It can 
also help to find the right spot at the party, whether that is a chair that is close enough to 
others but not right in the middle of a large group of people, or sitting near the food and 
drinks.

Work Meetings
Unfortunately, there are going to be times when you need to attend meetings for your 
job. This sometimes requires participation where you are speaking in front of a handful, 
dozen, or more people. Try to exude confidence, which helps you feel less vulnerable 
and anxious, and do whatever you can to relax before the meeting. Keep reminding 
yourself that this is only temporary and that nobody notices how fearful you are.
Speaking Events
This is perhaps one of the hardest outings you have to deal with when you have social 
anxiety. You might need to go to an event where you will be speaking for extended 
period of time to a large group or audience. The only way to do this is to learn relaxation 
techniques and change your mindset. Stop avoiding these events, and instead embrace 
your feelings and push forward.

