Relatively good news

Well, looked at from one perspective, my problems of Saturday night had a bright side. First, although I felt like breaking down, I didn't, and both times, it was in situations where there was a real danger of it happening. Next, while I was there I found that I was able to deal with conversations when the opportunity presented itself, and I was able to get out a bit of flattery when appropriate.

I've figured that I should find out where they need volunteers in situations where I might have some regular contact with frequent attendees... having people to gravitate towards in an emergency is always good.

That doesn't help the main problem, which is "panic attacks when considering trying to strike up conversations with complete strangers", but it does fix the effects of that problem.

Plus, who knows... maybe in a year or so I'll be able to write up the perfect "SPCC Guide for the panicked newcomer"

In the meantime, I'm doing some programming tonight... very slowly, and not getting good results, but better "some programming" than "none".

Relatively good news

Well, looked at from one perspective, my problems of Saturday night had a bright side. First, although I felt like breaking down, I didn't, and both times, it was in situations where there was a real danger of it happening. Next, while I was there I found that I was able to deal with conversations when the opportunity presented itself, and I was able to get out a bit of flattery when appropriate.

I've figured that I should find out where they need volunteers in situations where I might have some regular contact with frequent attendees... having people to gravitate towards in an emergency is always good.

That doesn't help the main problem, which is "panic attacks when considering trying to strike up conversations with complete strangers", but it does fix the effects of that problem.

Plus, who knows... maybe in a year or so I'll be able to write up the perfect "SPCC Guide for the panicked newcomer"

In the meantime, I'm doing some programming tonight... very slowly, and not getting good results, but better "some programming" than "none".