Are you single and feel anxious about going to a party alone? You are not alone! This is a common concern, but with the right outlook, you can change your thinking and look forward to going. I am not kidding.

My daughter and son-in-law planned a four-day reunion with both families. When I received the invitation, my first reaction was to not go. That was a pipe dream; there was no way I could not go. After responding “yes” to the invitation, my anxiety kicked in.

The best part was that the reunion was three weeks away. A few days before the gathering, I felt exceptionally anxious. I decided this would not work, as it was making me sick. So, I decided to create a plan that would change my thinking.

I went to Dunkin’ Donuts for a cup of coffee to calm myself down. Then I came home and, with my coffee, created a simple plan to start thinking positively about the week ahead.

By incorporating these three steps every day, my thinking changed, and I became excited about going to the party:

1. Morning Visualization: In the morning, before getting out of bed, I gave myself a big hug and imagined seeing my grandchildren.
2. Positive Self-Talk: If I felt anxious, I told myself, “I am sure you will have a good time.”
3. Gratitude Practice: I wrote down three things I was grateful for about our families.

My plan worked, and I looked forward to going and seeing everyone. Of course, on the way, I stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts for coffee to calm my nerves.

When I arrived, most guests were there, and everyone was hugging each other. I hadn’t seen some of my son-in-law’s family in 10 years. During the four days, I sat with different groups of people and played with my four great-grandchildren, who are between the ages of 6 and 8 months.

We all had a great time, and looking back, using my plan, and making sure I felt comfortable was a great gift I gave to myself.

Do you have any tips for transforming anxiety into excitement? Have you ever felt anxious about attending a social event? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Please leave your comments below!

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