I just thought I would share with you all that I decided to tackle my friday work lunches head on so I went to nandos the first time was kind of awkward...second time was still awkward but a little better but today was great and I was fully able to be myself talkative and all ;-) tricks that helped me ... I have been seeing a therapist for 3 sessions now and she said to focus on the ppl and things around u and to keep in the present and everytime u feel an anxious symptom instead of judging urself say to urself "ok im having a thought" and its ok and omg it so helped me!! also dont look at ppl outside of ur table try not to take notice of anything else apart from what is being said in ur little group 
