Stressed but trying to appear fine in social situations

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I was out socialising recently, not exactly against my will, but against my better judgement. I knew that I would have trouble keeping my emotions in check because of a certain person's presence, but I thought I should go just to be around friends.

I was showing signs of anxiety before I left, and was trying coping mechanisms when I arrived. Several people who don't know about my AS picked up on my 'soothing' techniques (rapid toe wiggling, tapping the table, deep breathing). I didn't want to tell them I was an Aspie because there was a 90% they would have no idea what I was talking about, and I think it's a bit personal and I'm not that close to them.

My questions are:
- What would you do if an NT saw you exhibiting this behaviour and didn't want to explain it?
- Do you know of any less-visible ways of anxiety/emotional management for public places?

I did end up leaving early, because I could feel close to... something - I can't remember melting or shutting down before, but I think I came close.

I get stressed all the time and mumble to myself about the situations!

I rarely let people know I'm stressed but when something is slightly wrong the colleagues pick up on my "quietness".

I'd just tell them that you are not used to those situations and apologise if you are doing things to make yourself less stressed. I'm sure they'd understand.

Just tell people you are fidgeting to burn calories. Every little movement we make burns calories, so fidgeting does count.

I would limit knowledge of having Asperger's or other forms of autism to family, very close friends, doctors/therapists, and any government people you may need to deal with if you ever apply for any benefits or programs. Only tell a boss or co-workers if they need to know. That's basically the operating phrase.--If someone doesn't need to know, then don't tell them.

- I sometimes say "I've just got a lot on my mind at the moment", if you make it sound serious then people wont' question it. Or sometimes I just flat out say I'm not good in social situations, if they ask why I just say "it's just social anxiety". If they think I'm odd and don't want to hang round with me then that's great, one less person I have to feel uncomfortable around. If they seem understanding then great, one more person I can feel comfortable around
- Whip out your smartphone and make it look like your responding to a text. It doesn't matter what you are actually doing (facebook, youtube, porn), if they think you are sending a text then they won't disturb you. If you do this all throughout the night and someone remarks on it just say you know someone who's going through some problems and you are trying to help them out, after all it's not a lie, you know yourself and you are trying to help yourself out