Penny, ERC, and Matilda, I think we have a consensus! It looks like I'm going to a party next weekend!
It would be a 180 for me to go. My pattern in the past has been avoidance of social situations, where I would be uncomfortable. The three of you reminded me that there are positives to be gained from going--I can dance and show-off my improving skills, I can chat with acquaintances that I know. If a worst case scenario happens (my W is publically critical), I can choose to leave early. I would plan on driving separately, to give myself an exit.
There would be negative consequences if I failed to go. It would diminish my self-confidence, it would possibly hurt the host's feelings, and it would harm the R, in that W would perceive me in a negative way.
I've "dusted-off" my copy of "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" to practice cultivating courage for fearful situations. Fear is an emotion that has historically "tripped me up." I guess I'm human.
Thanks for the support.
CL
CL 53 W 54 M 20 yrs. 03'-09' Separation + Old Patterns + GAL 10-14' Piecing
"The Master allows things to happen. She shapes events as they come."
