hey you replied
i think it's cool that you're at least getting out
all i know is that spending time at home has never helped with my social anxiety.
sometimes you go out and it's really hard to get out your own head, but sometimes you may go out somewhere, and actually have a nice chat with somebody or make a friend. (and usually when it does happen, you won't be expecting it)
also too- there may come a time when people stop asking you to come to things, so it's good to grab the opportunity when it's there (however, thats alotta $$$- you could use that as a way to motivate you to stay longer than you normally would but that's really up to you)
the more you stay at home, the harder it gets to push yourself to do something- and you can end up going months and years without going out socially- plus you can end up losing contact with people.
sometimes at parties or events, i look for the other people who look miserable, lol and ask them if they're bored- and sometimes you can relate to people based on stuff you don't like too.
i think it's healthy that you're letting yourself feel uncomfortable, (because even just walking inside isn't always easy, but hopefully, you'll realize that you've come back intact and it may not have been the most horrible thing that you were imagining- im hoping)
and maybe you're able to at least go to an event, maybe the next time you'll push yourself to ask somebody a question, or to learn at least 2 new names- or even just to smile at somebody or adopt a more friendly body posture [whatever it is for you that would help you get on the next level]
and will it help make you more comfortable with people in normal life?
i think so, it depends on how deep the problem is, if you can feel some of the tension relaxing, if you can think just a little positively, especially just being around people isn't easy with SA- and it will increase your familiarity with new places- so the next time you're there, you'll know little details about it, which should help you feel a teensy bit more comfortable. but getting to the point of feeling comfortable takes effort time and it may not feel all that great getting there, but it's important to keep trying.
it's important to look at how far you've come. like if you are accepting more invites, if you are giving serious thought to socializing instead of dismissing it immediately, if you spend less time with negative thinking, or if you can stand in a crowded room when there have been times that you didn't think you could those are all positive signs
and sometimes it helps to have like stock conversation topics
like how was your week? see any good movies lately? have you tried the new restaurant downtown? catch the game today? how about that sun/rain today?.... and you can always start with a "have we met?" "you're linda, right? im aj"
i don't know if that helps at all- sorry i just kind of rambled.