Dreading this

[bakabakabeyond]

On my way to my work do. Me and 26 blokes (male dominated work). Feel like I am intruding in their mens club. Social anxiety central and feeling very nervous. Help!

I hear your, OP. I work in a very male dominated industry and work dos are always...interesting.

You'll be fine, have a few drinks and try to enjoy yourself.

They've chosen the most expensive place in town too and didn't think about me as a single mum with zero month when choosing. A pint is £8. I'll be on the water

Could you treat it like a "game" maybe? Pretend you're David Attenborough or an archaeologist and write the commentary on the event in your head. Imagine it's 200 years from now and you're on a newsreel or something...
"And this is George, the alpha male from accounts. Normally he never leaves the safety of his ergonomic swivel chair, but today he bravely ventures forth to do battle with the buffet table..."
Just smile, listen to them talk about themselves, nod, and be "pleasant"
It will be ok, honestly! I know it might feel utterly stomach churningly horrendous but you can do it!
And once they've all had a few drinks and you've been there a while, if you still feel like it's an ordeal, fake an emergency at home and take your "regretful" leave.

I wish I was David Attenborough right now, in the Amazon rainforest, far far away from here.

Surely they'll buy you a drink?

I’ve been there. Solidarity, sister! Stay as long as you can tolerate, have fun, whizz home again.

How was it OP?

Are you still there?

So, come on OP, tell us how it went.

Surely they'll buy you a drink?

That'd make it even worse because the OP will then have to buy a drink back, which could be more expensive than what she would've chosen for herself.

It was ok. I just sat there quietly and very awkwardly. I was dressed up and looked quite nice (I think) so was quite confident. I used my son as an excuse to leave early 😁

Well done, you went, looked great, quietly confident, went home. Tick!