My friend's invited me to a mum's night out on Saturday, it's her friend's 40th birthday who I've only met once, and out of everyone else going there's only one other person I've met before, aside from my friend I don't really "know" anyone going. It's at a place that I used to go to as a teenager, it's a cheesy club and there's a male strip act, on the Facebook messages everyone is talking about the men, discussing how they plan to get v drunk and booking cabs home at 1 or 2 in the morning.
It was really kind of my friend to invite me but it's really not my kind of night out, especially with people I don't know who are a group of friends already. I did that in my teens and twenties, I know I'm probably a bit boring now and like going for dinner somewhere or drinks at a pub then home at 11, all v tame in my mid 30's now and I love being curled up at home on the sofa with dh, takeaway & wine and the occasional relaxed night out with friends.
I can't decide whether to go or not, I don't really want to, but I don't want my anxiety to stop me from doing things. Or could it simply be that it's not my kind of night out and it's ok to just not go? Part of me wants to force myself to go just to fit in and be liked by this group and be included. Then I think that's also an anxiety issue for me, seeking approval and wanting everyone to like me, so maybe I should stick two fingers up at that anxiety and the fear of missing out.
So, just be myself and do what I enjoy doing? Or push myself outside of my comfort zone? 🤔