Aspies For Freedom

Hi.

We are doing something called Secret Santa today. we have picked names from a box and have to buy that person a present and give it to them today.

Everyone is setting our meeting table up as though there is going to be a party and there is alcohol, but I don't drink and I don't like being around people who are drinking because they scare me when they are drunk.

And party is at 1 and we finish work at 5.30-  so how will work get done if people are drunk?

I don't know what to expect. Christmas parties at places where I used to work always took place in evenings so I just didn't go.

I nearly didn't come to work today because I am so scared. I don't socialise with my work colleagues and don't know how and usually just eat lunch on my own.

Also we have had 2 new people start which is stressful for me as it is change and we are packing things this week and are going to move offices so that will be even more change.

I'm struggling to cope and have been having periods of involuntary mutism far more frequently than normal because I am stressed.

Also, the new people are australian women and an ex left me for an australian woman because she was better than me so whenever I am around australian women I feel bad because i know they are all better than me and nobody would want me.

First of all - if your ex left you for an Australian woman it was NOT because Australian women are better than anyone. It was because he wasn't good enough for you.

If you manage to stay for the first twenty minutes or half hour of the party, you could then tell your supervisor that you were not feeling well when you got up this morning, but came in to work so that you wouldn't spoil the party; but your head is really hurting so can you go home? If you are feeling dreadful about the party you will probably be seen to be telling the truth about your headache and will get sympathy and permission to go.

And you will be considered really brave and thoughtful!

I will try, thanks Tigger_the_Wing.

I am also concentrating really hard on recovering my speech. I go non-verbal (involuntarily) when stressed.

Thanks

Relax, Secret Santa is opening a gift, trading it for another if someone else later wants it (up to 3 x) try wikipedia for an explanation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/secret_santa

Alcohol is never a good idea

Hi, just to let you all know that I survived! And I managed not to do or say anything stupid! The person whose present I bought liked it (even though it was bath salts and it turs out she only has a shower...ooops!) and I was given some really nice sparkly gloves!
I had to go home a little early as I found the Christmas lunch stressful and started feeling unwell afterwards, but my Manager was fine about it and I feel better today.
Also I only have a half day today, so I get to go home and rest.

Thank you everyone for your replies.