Serendipidously, just as I had completed my process for holiday visiting strategy from the perspective of the guest... I came across an article in 'O' Magazine  on how to keep your sanity when you're in the reverse position of having houseguests for the holidays. The best advise Martha Beck offers is to 'straighten up from the inside out'. In other words, preparing yourself mentally and emotionally is crucial to having a good time. A powerful 'immune response' to social anxiety like 'What are we going to talk about? Will I say the right thing? What are they saying about me behind my back? Do they like me?" is to stop, breathe, and focus on taking your 'happy and relaxed' space. Rule #1 although it's not acceptable to be a hermit during the holiday season, accept only those invitations that will benefit your well being. 

The second tip is to plan ahead what you're willing to share  about yourself, and your current thoughts, work, hopes, and dreams... and how you'll guard dreams that may be carelessly shattered by a thoughtless comment when libations are flowing. Think of a time when you felt completely comfortable and at ease in a social situation, and emulate that through your body language, your conversation, and your attentiveness to being your own best friend. The more authentic you can be, the more enjoyable your visiting experience.

The idea is to relax and have a good time, not to solve your problems, their problems, or the problems of the world. Sometimes it's fun just to 'natter' i.e. chatter casually about unimportant matters as per the flow of conversation from others. If the conversation takes a turn where you don't want to go, and you don't know what to say, don't say anything. It's OK to leave spaces of emptiness, spaces of saying and doing nothing. Internal emptiness is your sanctum sanctorum when you don't have an actual physical space to escape to. Interact responsibly, drink responsibly, and most importantly think responsibly... Happy Holidays from BodyFitLIfe.com.