It's been an issue my whole life. Even in primary school discos I was just an awkward mess and would end up just sitting on my own at the side.
Decades later, nothing has changed.
I work for a big company and Christmas parties are already in the pipeline and straight up I'm feeling the dread. I always end up being the only one who's sitting down/hanging at the bar and it just makes me feel incredibly awkward and embarrassed. People will try to drag me onto the dancefloor which just makes me feel worse.
I've tried dancing but I just CAN'T. DO. IT. (I seriously can't emphasize that enough).
I don't want to be a party pooper and just not go to any of the parties. I've tried getting drunk but it just amplifies the anxiety.
I always just end up sitting on my own feeling like a right pillock and I go home feeling really idiotic about myself.
Can anyone relate? I'm socially awkward at the best of times which doesn't help.