I do understand what your talking about...it's hard to make small talk when I don't feel up to it...I usually stay in the kitchen and piddle around and let everyone think I'm busy LOL it works for me so maybe you can try this !!!or I go to the bathroom a lot and set thwere for a few minutes...I also play with the pets or small kids if any are around...if I think of anything else I'll come back and post for you...something just might work well !!! also set the table and if any dishes are dirty I start to clean even before dinner and use the excuse, "I just don't want a big mess afterwards"...that usually works cuz not a lot of people want to help with the clean up..wink !!!! good luck to you...hugs Janet

All good ideas if it weren't such a teeny house filled to the brim with wall to wall people, its a 2 person kitchen, I'll figure something out. The worst is the long ride there and back, I am scared to take the new car. Which would make more sense but I can't think straight anymore. I am also incapacitated for clean up detail etc.
I could always get drunk and quiet. All it takes is two, smile and nod my head at everyone. lol

I understand how you feel. I am dreading the holidays for many reasons. I am going to get up thurs. show put on my best close and make up also. And I am going to try to put on a smile and not cry all day. Best of luck to you. I will pray for your day to be as best as it can be. Hugs Cissy

Is your anxiety more about the long drive then the dinner it self? If so I understand I have anxiety attacks but not for 15 years now I take the wonder drug XanaX. You probabily just feel more comfortable in your on home, I understand what you are saying.

yes,pozfem.you are not alone ,with this 1.i too,am dreading the 2hr,each way drive to my in laws for thanksgiving dinner.the only good thing about it,is they have dinner at 1:00pm.by 4-5 pm ,i will be nagging hubby to leave for the 2 hr ride home,to feed the 4 dogs. (: with this dragon, i/we never know how we are going to feel from day to day.i am not wearing a holiday outfit,jeans and a sweater,and a little make-up, to look alive.lol.lol.i hate the chit-chat too.i dont work,so i have nothing to say about ,"THE JOB"or anything else.cant drink,but will be taking a couple of xanax for the anxiety.i will try be going from 1 room to another,checking out the football game,playing with their dog,going to bathroom,telling my daughter and all family to call me on cell phone,we will wish each other happy turkey day. lol.oh,and yes ,i do smoke,so i will be going in and out for a smoke.by the time dinner is over,i will be falling alsleep(chronic fatigue and xanax. (: hang in there ,it's only 1 day.we have to do it.just remember, i and others are in the same state of mind......

Hey I want to vent too!!!!!! I feel so much better after talking to one of my DEAREST DS SISTERS this morning. I feel better!!!!!!!!! Happy thanksgiving ya'llll

I understand-although I love my family I have social anxiety and it is difficult to be around large groups for me, especially since I haven't worked for over a yr-I've gotten used to being alone. This is the 1st yr that I'll be going while on tx and I guess I just don't know how they will react-I don't want sympathy so will just try to act natural and hope they do too. I'm being selfish I know-as they all want me there badly. My poor mom is now on cane & very poor health -she usually works so hard she is too tired to eat...this yr me and brother are going early and making her sit while we and my Dad do all the work. My drug addict sister is the only one that I have real problem w/she always likes to pull me aside and tell me a bunch of bs lies and causes me to have anxiety attacks....I always make it but not w/o as the Beatles say 'mother's little helper' xanax. At least this yr only going to 1 family-usually have to fit in 3! I am grateful for their love and support and the fact that I'm well enough to go on same week as start of tx. I'll just try to avoid being alone w/sister too much-wouldn't do to have cat fight during dinner!

The people that love you will understand. As for those who don't, well, @#$#!! them. I think it's good of you to go if you don't want to. I can tell from your post, dear, you're a beautiful person, inside and out. Good luck.