Exposure to Social Situations
175UÊEat a snack at your desk. If your desk at work is in an open area, eat a snack 
at your desk. This may be easier than eating with your coworkers. When 
this exercise becomes easier, you can move to other practices, such as those 
in the rest of this list.
UÊHold a drink at a party or gathering . If you tend to be anxious when holding 
a glass of wine or a soft drink in front of others, try doing just that the next 
time you’re at a party or other social gathering. Try not to hide your hands 
if they begin to shake. If alcohol tends to decrease your anxiety, make sure 
you don’t drink wine, beer, or spirits until after your anxiety has decreased 
on its own.
UÊHave lunch with coworkers . You probably eat lunch every day. You might 
as well eat with other people, if the opportunity arises. If your natural ten -
dency is to eat at your desk or to eat lunch in restaurants alone, invite a 
coworker to join you for lunch once or twice every week.
UÊMeet a friend at a restaurant for dinner . If you tend to feel safer in dark 
restaurants, challenge yourself by choosing a more brightly lit location. Try 
to choose a seat where you are more likely to be observed by the other 
people in the restaurant.
UÊInvite people over for a meal . For example, invite two or three friends or 
neighbors over for dinner.
UÊDine at other people’s homes . If you tend to decline invitations to eat at 
other people’s homes, accept the invitation next time. You may ﬁnd it more 
difﬁcult to do so if you are concerned about not being able to control the