It’s my best friends birthday next week and we are doing some activities and going for drinks and a meal. There is about 10 of us. I only know him. 
The activities I will be fine with. It’s when we all sit down for drinks and a meal afterwards where my anxiety will kick in. People will start to notice that I’m not saying anything. I pretend to listen and just smile. 
The longer I don’t say anything the harder it gets. I’m dreading the moment someone says, “you don’t say much”, or, “I wish you’d shut up”. 
Things like that really get to me and I’ve either been upset and ignore it or I get angry and say something back. As much as I am quiet I do stick up for myself, even if it causes an argument. People are too quick to judge. They should just keep their mouth shut. 
I didn’t mean this to turn into a rant. 
All I’m asking for is for some advice. Hopefully this post can help others.