I am painfully anxious and nervous in large groups. Amusement parks, malls, business settings when everyone is standing and able to walk around are the worse. I immediately start picking at my nails and play with the newly torn off nail to soothe.

So, I have an event coming up where mingling and networking is required. If you are good at it, please tell me what to do.

How do I interject/ include myself in an already in progress small chat?

When do I introduce myself? First and last name? Name and location or title or department? How many details do I give?

How do I leave a conversation gracefully? Group of 3 or more? When I am the last two standing?

If I am left all alone, what are my next moves?

How do I add to the convo without being a one upper/ pile upper/ Ms. Me Too?

Should I engage everyone or just the important people in the small group convos?

Also, if we mingle over cocktails is drinking from the tiny straw ok?

Anything else?