Probably on the spectrum. Trouble is we feel such guilt and anxiety about being asked to such events. we are moved into the anti social bracket but self inflicted.

I was always accused of being stuck up very few situations where I'm okay some situations where I'm all right I start to get really nervous after a while and have to be by myself

If your friends don't understand that you live your life a certain way, then they aren't truly friends.

I dred going to a lot of parties but when I do I usually run into friendly aquantences and am glad that I went and some times if there's too many people and I just have to split .

We are victims of our own societal rituals.

I feel ya sister. Why am I the only one I know who hates holidays. People always look at me like I have the plague when I say I don't participate in their (stupid) holidays! It's refreshing to hear that others feel this way, thank you.
I think you should do something that YOU really want to do that day, don't hide ! Unless , of course, you really ENJOY hiding !

I know that feeling. I even miss my family BBQ because I just can't stand the noise and fuss. There's always good food and I sit with my siblings whom I love and love to talk to. Sigh. Will try once again this year! You should always take along some dish that you love so you're sure you have something to eat. Tell them you just had to bring it to share because you think they will love it. Lol

If you really don't want to go, don't go. If you know them well enough, tell them why and maybe they will invite you to something more suitable; if they are not sympathetic to your needs, do you want to socialise with them anyway? I've decided I have reached an age when I am going to do my own thing and not be willing to pretend that I am enjoying myself any more.

Gee, give them my number !!! I'll go, bring whatever they want me to bring and I would talk non stop until they tell me its time to go home !!!!!!

Maybe just go for a little while? Or even tell the host you have social anxiety and it is too much for you then you don't need to go or hide.

I really enjoy being with people I know. I also enjoy meeting new people, one at a time. I dislike being at parties where I don't really know anyone except the host (who is too busy hosting to talk to me). I would rather stay home...

I attended my cousin's child 3rd birthday last night. Now, I absolutely did not most people and was actually forced to make small talk. The only reason why I did this was to push myself little bit of the comfort zone. I regretted that. The what is I did not want to go but felt i had to. Another cousin of mine is getting married on saturday, and I really don't know anybody on her fiance's side. Once again, I will most likely force myself to somebody.

Maybe it's a little of both. I don't know that I have social anxiety, but that's definitely how I feel about holidays and gatherings. I'd probably choose to hide behind the chair.