Fear of Parties – 4

We arrived promptly at 6:30 and Carole, the host was very gracious. She wasn’t finished dressing so she excused herself as soon as we were settled with a glass of wine.

The wine was set up in the kitchen so Fred suggested I stand near the end of the counter where people would have to walk by to get their wine and be inclined to talk with me.

People started arriving within a few minutes and Fred walked off to greet someone he knew.

I was alone  . . . yikes!

The first couple came by and introduced themselves to me as they were selecting their wine. They asked who I knew and if I lived at the country club.

I had my left hand behind my back holding tightly to the counter. The glass of wine was in my right hand. No one seemed to mind that I didn’t reach out to shake their hands.

About every hour or so Fred would return and take the glass of wine out of my hand to refill it. He stand and talk for a few minutes and then excuse himself so I would be left on my own.

Around 11 pm Fred returned and told me how proud he was of me. I leaned in and asked “Can we leave now?”

He laughed and said we would as soon as he said good night and got our coats.

Five minutes later we were standing outside the door.

“Get me to a bathroom quickly! I can hardly wait to go!” I pleaded.

He chuckled as he helped me get into the car.

I was so afraid to move through the crowd I couldn’t even use the rest room the entire 4 1/2 hours we were there.

Things have changed for sure and today I am comfortable going to parties and throwing parties. At business mixers I am always on the lookout for those who are white knuckle drinkers because I know they are nervous. I enjoy helping other learn to become comfortable and learn to enjoy it as much as I have.