Prevent a scene with BF's sister? Social Anxiety meets Sister Judgmental?

Question

So, my BF is to have a birthday dinner soon, and from what I hear, his sister really knows how to ask questions. She's the most successful fo the family, educated, rich, just about as bad as my WASp and formelry rich family. I do't handle this well- at ALL. Is there anything I can do or say to prevent this, without my revealing my problem to this very Beaver-Cleaver generation family?
I'm very Dysfunctional Fmaily Picnic generation, and it would be OK by me for them to know... but I don't think it would go over too well where they come from.

PS I'm committed to this man, and to going. So please don't say, "just don't go".
Oh, that's probably just what I would say, with SAD. LOL

Answer 1

Social anxiety can cause these feelings.
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried meds, individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!

Answer 2

I would say go on the offensive. You ask them a bunch of questions abou tthemselves so they dont have the opportunity to ask you anything. And if they do ask you questions your uncomfortable answering just say something vague and turn the question on to them. If they are sort of upiddy (which is how it sounds from your question) then they may really enjoy talking about themselves, and find you charming for asking them so many questions.

I dont know if it will work but is sounds like a good plan of action to me. Good luck and dont let the man get you down :)