You've been invited to a party at a colleague's house. It's been a while since you've attended a social gathering, and you're feeling nervous about it. You don't think you'll know many people there.

When you arrive, the house is already full of guests. You scan the room and realize you only recognize a few faces, and they're already engaged in conversations with others. You awkwardly make your way through the crowd, smiling politely at people as you pass.

You notice some people glancing in your direction. A small group near the kitchen looks over at you and then continues their conversation. You try to approach a few circles of people, but find yourself struggling to think of something interesting to say.

After several failed attempts at joining conversations, you retreat to a quiet corner near the punch bowl. You stay there for most of the evening, occasionally making brief small talk with people who come to get drinks, but never really connecting with anyone.

When it's time to leave, you say a quick goodbye to the host and hurry out the door. On the drive home, you replay the evening in your mind and decide that social gatherings just aren't worth the discomfort.