Always Have an Exit Plan
Big social events or group gatherings can be intimidating, no matter your age. As an adult with ADHD, the impulse, or urge, to avoid uncomfortable gatherings can be high. But some of these events in your life are important! A friend’s wedding, a loved one’s graduation, or even a company dinner with your partner’s coworkers can be difficult to miss.
Learning how to navigate social settings, when the urge to leave early or skip the whole thing entirely is strong, is a skill that can help you throughout your life. Because there is a cost associated with missing important events.
And while being social isn’t the same for everyone, most people want to find a way to tolerate events they don’t want to miss. That said, social anxiety and general discomfort with being around people (even people you like) can be hard on you. Having your own way to navigate these events is kind of like having your own accommodations. Instead of someone else supporting you, however, you get to support you.
Instead of making an abrupt departure when a social event becomes intolerable for you, why not have a few pre-planned exit strategies? Like having a wingman when you’re stuck on a bad date, a thoughtful exit plan can make the difference between a social faux pas and a graceful exit, even when your insides are telling you to bolt.
Here are five exit strategies that work for events so you have a plan before you reach your limit.