Give it a shot...
But put some time, between now & the event, into making it as "safe" of an experience as possible....
For me, that means mentally walking through all of the potential discomforts that may present themselves and devising a game plan...
Public location?
Check it out beforehand.... being familiar with the physical layout helps increase feelings of being in control...
Arrival/ Departure....
I always arrive early if there will be a lot of attention given to guests as they arrive...
This way there will be fewer observers when I arrive... especially if I am the 1st one there!
This also adds strength to feelings of 'control' and 'belonging there'
And allows me to select a seat/table/ area that is not already partially occupied....
Reduces possibilities of necessary rejection - which often occurs if you ask to sit at table but seats are 'saved' or 'spoken for'
I also like to identify an exit route and position myself in close proximity... in case I get overwhelmed at any point and need to just disappear....
And of course... always have your own entertainment/ company in the form of a book, notebook, etc....
Your "social discomfort areas" may be different than mine... but the process of proactively addressing those concerns and having a plan to deal with them is universally applicable....
It is amazing the difference that is made by some of the simplest things... like successfully avoiding excessive attention by arriving before everyone else..
I hope that you do give it a shot... and that it is a successful experience ---
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