npub1gr8tf3fsdjv33jp4akfu3v089mfd4xvmhm85zxwqu0n60c2dtfjqw9c639 (npub1gr8…c639) every time I'm forced to go to one of these things, I insist on driving myself for this very reason: I need to be able to leave whenever I want. and then I have to aggressively decline invitations from coworkers who offer to give me a lift/invite themselves to join me in my car. no: I can't rely on/be responsible for anyone's transport that might prevent me from making a hasty exit when anxiety hits.
this is all to say you're not a lone lunatic, we are all lunatics.