I'm glad to hear you went to the sewing room and sat by an open window. You succeeded at coping with the crowd and the heat. I think the only issue you may or may not need to cope with is your family not recognizing or understanding how very important it was for you to do something to keep you comfortable. I'm proud of you. You should be proud of your very good decisions to care for yourself.

Whatever anyone thinks of your decision, even me, doesn't really matter. Do what you need to do in order to stay healthy and cope with what you described as 'failure' in the most productive way possible.

It's after the fact. The family gathering is over. All you have now is how you remember feeling, what you remember saying, and what you remember doing. Maybe coping with and resolving feelings of shame, guilt, blame, or any other negative emotions is a step you need to take so you can build your confidence.

It's not fair for me to say you 'should' be proud of yourself. I'll just say I'm proud of you for keeping yourself as cool and comfortable as possible in a crowded, hot house.

You didn't fail. You tried and you did your best. It's unreasonable to expect more.

You did your best. It was good you got out. That is a big accomplishment. Hugs.

Fifty people in a small house is an incredible social challenge -- for anyone! As others have said, you did a fine job of dealing with the circumstances. I'm so glad you got a chance to see your cousins!!

Yea you actually got out of the house and went to what sounds like a rather large family event. Thats is definatly NOT a fail. Maybe they know your limitations but were still glad that you took the time, even though it wasn't easy, to come to their get together. Happy Thanksgiving a day late!

Whoa, 50 people!! Don't feel bad. I could not do that either. I would be climbing up the walls...

I also hate heat. I often sweat a little while eating when it's kinda hot. Its embarrassing.

I bet you did alright, and maybe like in my case it's your imagination. Me, personally, I am always making a big deal out of something that others don't even notice.

You didn't Fail!! You went there...and you didn't leave right away.
You shared in their Thanksgiving.
Anxiety is a bitch, lets face it. It's hard to get past it.
Do you have any meds for anxiety???

If a room gets too hot, I will go into this claustrophobia thing. I can't breath, I'm sweating and I have been know to hallucinate different colors. It's awful. One time I was in Burger King and everyting went Orange! Then black. My bf had to walk me out, I was totally blind. Scared the Dickens out of me. As soon as I got outside it went away. I'm glad you found a window. I prob. would have gone out in the rain just to get away.

I know its hard but try not to think of it as you failed. Try to think of the fact that you did go and you did the best you could do. It was nice to see your cousins, thats a plus and I'm sure you got some good food. Be patient with yourself and be kind to yourself.

I will join in with the Yippie's ...you went. You visited, you ate and made it out in one piece !

It may have been a bit of a frazzle, but you did it !

Thank you!! I had gotten a ride from my cousin that my aunt's house. If I had had my own car, I would've been outta there. I ended up having to be there for almost six HOURS. I just started feeling freaky. I was so hot and plus I started having sugar problems. My sugar was high and I sweat when it gets that way. And it was already hot in that house. Ughhh. I overheard my cousin talking about "a family gathering that happens every summer at another cousin's house". I am never invited to this gathering. So in other wards, I think my aunt invites me to stuff when it is at HER house. My cousins don't apparently think about me. I would've probably gotten more out of going to a community dinner and then coming home and being alone. Let's face I t. I don't have a family close by

I'm a big fan of don Miguel Ruiz and his teachings (The Four Agreements). These are pretty easy principles: 1) Be impeccable with your word; 2) Don't take anything personally; 3) Don't make assumptions; and 4) Always do your best. You totally nailed #4 by attending your aunt's Thanksgiving celebration.

As far as the summer get-together, if you'd like to go, just say, "Hey, I'd like to come!"

Families are tricky and complicated sometimes. If you want a guaranteed good time, I'd be all over the community dinner idea. I've participated in many and they are the best -- so full of genuine gratitude, appreciation and love. There are community dinners at Christmas time so if the family thing is giving you fits, that's always an option.

Give yourself credit you did it. If you can be in a small house with 50 people on a Holiday you can go anywhere now. Use this as your building block to getting out even more. So Proud Of You TC!!!! Your the best. Always look at the bright side. Now I know you will be able to go anywhere you already did the hardest thing. Big Giant Hugs:)