Do you fear social gatherings? How to survive social awkwardness

Your friend’s invited you and a guest to a party or wedding that you’d really like to attend, but you don’t have anyone to go with.

Does that often happen to you?

Does the idea of attending social events alone ever creep you out?

If you’re not a natural in socializing or a fan of the large gatherings, then being a sociable person can be quite challenging, having that persistent fear about being around people.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Dr Raymond Hamden, the Clinical and Forensic Psychologist said: “Social Anxiety Disorder is noted when symptoms are predictable and constantly evident, and discomfort is the exhibition of the same or similar symptoms when the situation is present only.”

He added: “Humans basically need to belong, and when disorders and discomforts are present, one must rid of the problem or symptoms.  Some psychologists believe such symptoms can be addressed by "just doing it".

This is where we flash back to the scenes from the classic Peter Sellers movie “The Party”, where the main character messes up a series of awkward social situations as he turns up to the gathering alone.

But you won’t be breaking glasses, blocking the toilets, or accidentally blowing up movie sets.

Unless, it is that kind of party.

However, as dramatic as it was, the feeling of entering a party without a friend or feeling shy or uncomfortable, can encourage you to run and hide.

If you happen to enter a party on your own and stand around with nobody to talk to, remember these key things:

Smile:

The most important things to try at such a situation: Smile, make eye contact and introduce yourself at the right opportunity.

And if that opportunity doesn’t come up, it’s simple – just try to create one yourself.

Mini Groups at Parties:

You see a group at the party that seem to know each other very well, and you’re encouraged to join in their conversation.

Not knowing what to say can be tricky, but if you wait for the perfect moment to make your comment that usually works.

Here’s one more tip - mention that you don’t know anybody else at the party.

A friend of a friend:

Being left alone with a friend of a friend that you don’t really know can be a wee bit uncomfortable. What helps is trying to start a conversation.

The advantage here is that, you both already have something in common – you’re both friends with the same person who introduced you both in the first place.

Talk to strangers:

If you're feeling nervous and exposed because you're alone, all that time with nothing to do can amplify your insecurities.

Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers – most of the time they respond and if they don’t, you shouldn’t care. If they push you away, there will be other and friendlier people.

A few more tips include:

When talking to people, invite people to talk about themselves.

Be confident but not over confident, as this may come across as being cocky to others.

-     At a party or social event - Meet the host and try to help her out.

-     Think about the end in mind – you will feel great about what you’ve done and also the new friends you made.

These tried and tested tips have worked for many individuals, however as everyone is unique, they may not work for some especially with an intense level of social phobia.

As Social Anxiety Disorder is not a simple shyness, the symptoms faced by sufferers can be so extreme that they interrupt your daily life.

Even though sufferers recognize that the fear is excessive and unreasonable, they  feel powerless and are terrified they will humiliate themselves infront of everyone there.

With that intensity of social phobia,  sufferers are advised to get “the supervised experience to decondition from the thoughts and feelings and realize that the connection between a negative stimulus and the individual is not just in his head and a pill will cure, “ explained Dr. Raymond.

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