going to a restaurant tomorrow

Exposure Therapy

freaking out a bit about tomorrow. I have to do a 2.5 hour car journey to visit my sister, which is itself a trigger, and then we are going out for lunch at a restaurant.

I'm deliberately telling myself not to give in to my usual reassurance-seeking methods like looking up the menu ahead of time, trying to work out where the toilets in the restaurant are 'just in case' and so on, but the what-if thoughts are still very strong.

my main worry is feeling nauseous and then realising too late that I'm going to be sick, and not making it to a bathroom in time. I feel like the restaurant setting is especially triggering because it's around other people and their food, so to be publically sick there would ruin the meal not only for my party, but likely for other people around us as well.

I'm trying to reassure myself that even if it did happen it wouldn't be the end of the world, that people get sick in restaurants every day and it wouldn't be a unique experience if it did happen, and that realistically the people I'm with/the restaurant staff would want to help. but despite all this I can't help but ruminate about the potential for my embarassment and humilation.

not seeking reassurance, but would appreciate any words of empowerment!

Posted Sep 5, 2026, 3:55 PM UTC

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