The seasonal social marathon is upon us, and for many of we introverts the dread starts long before the invitations arrive. Our brains are already predicting chaos based on past experiences, tightening our chests before we have even left the house. In this episode I explain why this reactivity kicks in so early and how we can update our internal data set so we are not hijacked by old stories. I share practical strategies to help you attend on your own terms, stay regulated and build new, positive experiences rather than catastrophised ones. This is not about avoidance but about honouring your energy, protecting your peace and socialising in ways that respect your nervous system. Protecting your energy is not rude, it is revolutionary.