Hi Sue, always good to hear from you x
I never like to hear of anyone being upset, especially someone I know. And I've been in your situation many times Sue, too many times!
It's not just about being sensitive or triggering past traumas, people often overstep the mark and this can come from our family and friends which makes it more effective in the personal jab.
I'm so pleased you spoke to the friend in question about how it affected you. Too many times we bottle up hurt and our bodies suffer as a result.
And although I hate the thought of you being upset, a good cry does you no harm at all and all those other pent up niggles will be added in the mix.
I want to take this opportunity to tell you that you are one of the nicest people I've met in a very long time. x ❤️
As for your social event....
Don't we just hate them. There could be a gold bar sitting for you at your table and it still wouldn't be enough to encourage a mindset of going.
Preplanned is the worst. Off the cuff might be more easier. And we do so worry about how we are going to perform and whether anxiety wants to make a complete fool of us let alone the response of others if you get your words mixed up, fidget, stare in to space, sweat profusely or run to to the loo mid conversation.
Anxiety symptoms are so unpredictable, no warning, no peace.
But because we want to live and be part of normal life, we put our best foot forward and go for it.
If it is successful, we are filled with confidence and if it is not, we return home shaking our head muttering never again". Time passes and we try again at some point and so it goes on.
But it's better to try than not otherwise you'll always be wondering whether you should have or not.
Be choosy select your choices wisely and opt out of the ones that are no benefit to you and your wellbeing. xx