Social Anxiety on Vacation

I just got back from vacation on Sunday afternoon. If you have social anxiety you can understand what a worry something like vacation to visit family you don't know can be. Especially if they are related to your spouse and you desperately want to make a good impression.

I hope that anyone who is about to go through this has the type of family that my husband does. Music Man's family was loving and kind. They went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and safe. I will never forget them for doing that.

My advice to all who are about to embark on such a journey is this:
1) Take allergy medication with you. The climate you are headed to may be different than you're used to and you don't know how it will affect you.
2) Get plenty of sleep before you arrive. Speak up to your spouse if you feel tired. Being well rested makes the time out with others much easier to handle and less likely to cause you to panic.
3) Try to drink and eat well. Don't over do it, but do eat and drink. You are less likely to panic when you are not hungry and when you're not thirsty.
4) If you just aren't comfortable staying with relatives, talk to your spouse before you leave. Try to work out a compromise on staying with relatives vs. a motel room.
5) Talk to people. It doesn't have to be deep and meaningful, just chat. It will help relieve the stress and anxiety.
6) Have fun, remember that's the point of vacation.