For me the thing about having a partner being able to be yourself - never having to need theatre.
I'm so sorry you had to experience "theatre" under duress. No-one should have to go through scary experiences like that. It ruins the voluntary, intentional theatre that gets us over the social anxiety hump.
Thank you!
Play a role! Walk in there like it didn't occur to you to need anyone with you. You're the person people will be drawn to or who will feel blessed by you saying "Hi" to them.
creationists: “dinosaurs and humans coexisted!” me and the seagull trying to eat my fries: “aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa” creationists: “no, not like that”
Tom Dick spinning so fast in his grave he's been hooked up to a genny and sold to EDF.
Ooh, actually looks like promising bedtime reading. (Not that I'm suggesting it's snore inducing, Mr Dick, really sir.)