One of the most effective anxiety management techniques is knowing you have an exit strategy. Setting a defined time limit for social events accomplishes several things:
- Makes the experience feel more manageable
- Prevents social burnout
- Creates natural conversation about your departure (“I can only stay until 9, but I’d love to hear about…”)
- Gives you a chance to reflect and celebrate your success afterward
Start with committing to just 30-45 minutes at an event. You can always stay longer if you’re enjoying yourself, but having permission to leave reduces the pressure significantly.
Slide Thru’s event duration indicators help you choose gatherings that match your comfort level, from quick coffee meetups to longer adventures. The platform also normalizes coming and going at different times, reducing the awkwardness of early departures.
