I don't think this takes into account how helpful an action plan can be. I would never, ever go to a gathering without forthought, self coaching, and some tips

I don't think this takes into account how helpful an action plan can be. I would never, ever go to a gathering without forthought, self coaching, and some tips for myself lined up. There's way too much social pressure and too much of my self-esteem on the line to skip it. And if I'm not afforded that, or it's a surprise, I'll just go to wherever with my laptop and browse HN or work on my projects instead. People are really, really hard, especially for us with social anxiety.