Going out tomorrow night

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Hi, I'm worried as tomorrow I'm going out with 4 friends to town, this will involve going to at least 3 busy, noisy bars . I don't care to drink much now so I'm not able to "escape" using that. I get bad social anxiety
I notice I look around an awful lot at people, perhaps more than the people I'm with. If I really try focus on my own group and not gawk at Everything else going on like the crowds or the lights, might it help me not get so overwhelmed? Thanks

Ear plugs might help. Won't help with the press of people around you, though. Good luck.

Going out is hard for me too because I don't drink. The noise doesn't worry me, but it makes it hard to hear the people I'm with. The last time I went to a bar it was so packed out that everybody were like sardines and I could barely breathe. We had to wait about 40 minutes to get served, and every time I moved I tripped over someone's foot. I suppose these sorts of places are more enjoyable to be at if you drink, or if you're really extroverted.

I am a total non-drinker, so I know how you feel. I also have social anxiety, and I feel like people are judging me. What I try to do when in a bar is try to trick my body into thinking I'm having a good time, and then you'll loosen up a bit. So I try to laugh and smile a lot, and engage in conversation with the people I'm with, although it can be hard if you can't hear over the noise.

Thanks so much for both replies, maybe it'll be quieter than it used to be. Maybe!
Like you say Joe, everyone seems drunk or extroverted in these places, which makes it so much more scary!
I hate the fact its in the evening too, like I got all day to build it up and stress!
Saying that when I'm 85 I'll probably be fretting over going to a tea party at 11am.

I second the recommendation of earplugs, though I tend to wear headphones and play music. I keep the volume low enough to where I can still hear the people I'm with but also loud enough to drown out other noises.

Focusing on your party will help too.

I think we should all go and pretend to be you... we could have an "I'm Spartacus" moment.

Went pretty well, back home ready for bed now ty everyone