Please tell me I can do this

[nixnjj]

It's my sons year 6 leavers graduation/meal tonight. I'm terrified, 30others all coupled up. Eating in front of people, making polite conversation, photos etc. It the stuff of nightmares. I don't want to go but can't let my son down. Have been sick and in tears all day.

I don't want to go but can't let my son down.

I hope it's okay. It might help if you think that it's the last demand that primary school will make on you, and there's really very little involvement expected once they're at secondary school. But I hear you, OP - I remember dreading a similar event this time last year: haven't really thought about it since. Just focus on your son.

Eat something before you go? Then you don't have to actually finish your food or order a proper meal if you don't want to.
Make a list of topics to talk about. School trips or secondary school or holiday plans. Banal and light topics.
Will there be anyone you know there who can be a buffer?
Sit at the edge of the table so you don't feel hemmed in?
Or just don't go! Doubt it will bother him too much. Are kids and parents all going?