Nervous about meeting his family...

So this weekend my bf's dad is having an engagement party for himself and his fiancee.

I have met the two of them, and his father is one of those that makes you as uncomfortable as possible, and enjoys the reaction he gets out of your discomfort. Even my bf is not excited about this party.

Problem is, there are going to be about 40-50 people at this family party, many of whom my bf is VERY excited to see (minus his dad).

I'm nervous. I want to be well-liked, but don't want to appear that I'm trying to hard.

If his father was a little more friendly, I would feel at home at such a party, but I'm feeling a lot of anxiety from the pressure of what's to come.

Any suggestions? I'm kind of having a freakout/ low self-confidence moment.

AMP

Edited

Kevin-

Thank you for the reply. It probably sounds really childish, but I don't have any social anxiety, it's just his father I fear, and since its his side of the family. I have a lot of anxious thoughts about how this is going to go. How did you know I was PRAYING that he wouldn't leave me alone to fend for myself? That's exactly what I see happening, and I guess I'm okay with it, I just don't want to find myself standing next to his dad.

:0(

AMP

Heya,

I just guessed that part (about him abandoning you) because it's exactly the fear that I used to have. However, I am now perfectly fine standing on my own anywhere. If it is just his father, however, then I think that the same principal applies - i.e. do'nt try to make conversation yourself. Just give short answers and don't put too much emotion into it. The less you speak, the less fuel you give him to mould the conversation in a way that he wants...

Kevin

Hi Ali, i understand that a bit cause I'm TERRIFIED of meeting people's parents! Its also a specific parent thing, rather than a general social anxiety thing. It won't stop me meeting parents, but i find it very hard.

I also understand how your boyfriend must feel too - 2 of my parents are no problem to get to know, tho not necessarily both great to live with! lol but one is a real nightmare. luckily i don't speak to him. I think Kevin's advice is good - just be friendly and don't say too much - you can always make an excuse e.g. need the toilet/get a drink/ etc if he starts making you too uncomfortable.

[list=]Kat and Kev-

Thank you SO much for the input. I think you both are completely right. I'm going to take a backseat and do what I can do to make this enjoyable, not uncomfortable, and will heed your advice.

This is not going to be easy for me, because I am used to being VERY social, but I think this is the best way to handle this situation...

THANK YOU!!!!

*big hugs*

AMP[/list]