In hindsight, I wished I'd said yes.

[SilentAndShy]

So after starting my volunteering, I was made aware of a Christmas dinner at a hotel this Friday and I was invited. I said no.

Why? Because I had a valid reason (a school run) but I also lied slightly because it was something that could have been adjusted for me to go.

I said no because it was early days and I was extremely nervous, shy about going to an event and that I didn't know anyone.

6 weeks later and the event is here and I am slightly more comfortable in my surroundings. But I can't go because it's too late to put me in and I'm just annoyed I didn't give myself that day's time to go home, think about it, then let them know. My fear, anxiety, got the better of me.

mg:

 

[Froggy246]

The good thing is that you want to go now, so obviously you have overcome your fear, that's the important thing. Maybe there will be a cancellation or if not at least you'll know next time to say yes.

 

[sahxox]

yea it's awesome you want to go now... still think it's better to say no and then actually want to go, then to say yes and dread it for weeks.

 

[SilentAndShy]

I can't believe what happened today, maybe a sign.

So, I was at my volunteering place of work doing my thing when a colleague, who's sound, came up to me and asked me what I was doing Friday afternoon (the day of the party). I replied I was doing a school run, he then quizzed me on time I would pick them up etc and told me to consider coming. Then in a polite and friendly, 2/3 other people badgered me to come. And I decided to say yes.

I was worried it was too late and I didn't want to impose or intrude on others to have make changes but it was done fairly quickly. Plus, I was more calm because there were other volunteers who don't know other people aswell so I thought that relaxes me abit more because it means other people are in my shoes, i.e not knowing many people.

I'm kinda nervous but not as much now because some people made an effort to get me to come and that sorta weakened any resolve I did have about not going.

 

[SilentAndShy]

Christmas party done and dusted.

It wasn't too bad - made some conversation with people, then had food, other people had banter that I laughed to.

When it was time to go, I needed to say season's greetings to a small room of people. People were sat opposite sides of a small room, so fairly small.

I was nervous as hell because some people had left before me and given me a hug or a kiss but I just thought best to shake hands with the men and/or just give a wave and off I go.

Some gave handshakes, one of my supervisors gave me a hug and a kiss which she initiated that was lovely and another hug from the main boss who works there so that was nice aswell.

One thing I've learnt is that that next year's Xmas party, if I'm there, I would definitely go to as it's all about experience. Now that I've been and now what to expect, can go into future work parties with more confidence. Rather than rejecting them straight away and not going.

 

[Froggy246]

Hi,

I just wanted to say well done for going to the party and trying your best, it's kind of inspiring. I have a habit of giving in to the fear.
I don't think my colleague at work will ever forgive me for not showing up to her wedding reception...

 

[Silatuyok]

Christmas party done and dusted.

It wasn't too bad - made some conversation with people, then had food, other people had banter that I laughed to.

When it was time to go, I needed to say season's greetings to a small room of people. People were sat opposite sides of a small room, so fairly small.

I was nervous as hell because some people had left before me and given me a hug or a kiss but I just thought best to shake hands with the men and/or just give a wave and off I go.

Some gave handshakes, one of my supervisors gave me a hug and a kiss which she initiated that was lovely and another hug from the main boss who works there so that was nice aswell.

One thing I've learnt is that that next year's Xmas party, if I'm there, I would definitely go to as it's all about experience. Now that I've been and now what to expect, can go into future work parties with more confidence. Rather than rejecting them straight away and not going.

Wonderful! :applause:

 

[SilentAndShy]

Hi,

I just wanted to say well done for going to the party and trying your best, it's kind of inspiring. I have a habit of giving in to the fear.
I don't think my colleague at work will ever forgive me for not showing up to her wedding reception...

Thank you - glad to hear it and don't be hard on yourself about the wedding reception.

Just try to make it to another event. It's hard but I'm begining to get to a stage where I try to view a social event as an opportunity to gain experience.

I experienced an event on a smaller scale on Tuesday so hence this gave me the confidence to go to his one when I was asked again. It was like "I didn't do too badly at this [smaller event] event so why not try this Xmas event".

Hopefully you can, slowly but surely, overcome your fear