Having a supportive friend along can transform an anxiety-inducing event into a manageable—even enjoyable—experience. A “social buffer” provides:
- A familiar face to return to when you need a break
- Someone to help facilitate introductions
- Shared experiences to discuss afterward
- A witness to your social successes (important for challenging negative self-perceptions)
However, choose your companion wisely. The ideal social buddy gently encourages you to interact with others rather than becoming a crutch that prevents new connections.
Slide Thru’s “Bring a Friend” feature allows you to send event invitations to friends who might not yet be on the platform. You can also use the “Looking for Buddies” tag when browsing events to find others who are also seeking companions for social support.
