Re: Problems with eating out etc.
You're so right. Exposure is the key here.
But you can do it in your own way and in your own speed.
Maybe find a eatery that you sort of can cope with and go there more than you would usually and get yourself accustomised and familiar with it before any more events appear and notice how noone is really interested in what you're up to plus you can always escape out to the loos or car park if it all gets a bit much, but as you settle you'll need that route less and less.
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Meg
proactiveness, positivity, persistence, perseverance and practice = progress