I am going to an event in two days and dreading it . It's a memorial celebration for a dear friend who died this year . My husband's best friend . There are going to be a lot of high flying people there, as our friend worked in the theatre .
His request was that we celebrated his life with a dinner and ceilidh and party.
He also stipulated that everyone should "make a lifelong friend at the event".
When we arrive we are requested not to stay with the person we came with, but mingle with strangers the whole time .
I find this daunting ,! Am I being unreasonable ?
I'm quite shy .
I'm in my 70's and I came from a very unsettled family background . I hardly went to school . I'm completely out of my depth with the other guests , there are people who work in the cinema , the BBC , theatre, art world . I have met some of them before , very charming , but I think it would be difficult to maintain social interaction with them for a length of time as we are from such different worlds.
I've also been a bit down. I'm normally cheerful and positive , but this year I've lost 6 close family and friends . I've had health problems, including an operation , nothing serious , but I've been in a fair bit of pain since the beginning of the year . This has now been resolved and I'm better .
I have very poor eyesight and was told this week I am losing the sight of one eye.
It can be operated on but it probably won't be successful. The other eye isn't great. Sorry this sounds like an awful blues record !
I just don't feel up to this "mingling", I discussed it with my husband and we feel it would be so upsetting for our friend's partner if I didn't go and it's not respecting the deceased's wishes . He is going to comply with his late friend's request and mingle . There are extensive grounds in the place the event is happening . I could slip out for a walk The event lasts most of the afternoon and evening . Am I being unreasonable to dread the event ? My husband thinks I'm being a bit of a wet lettuce and he's looking forward to it. Any ideas please anybody ?
