For the most part I dread them. Even if I end up not saying something awkward, someone else does. So common is the phenomenon where someone thinks they've been misunderstood and is defensive about it. Myself and others do this a lot. Honestly we usually haven't been misunderstood and the other person was adding to what we said, we just don't get that.

I am high-functioning.

I only function when high. 😌

I had some great interactions today with people whose company I enjoy, doing an activity I love, in a place that is familiar and comfortable to me. It lasted for two hours and I am still overstimulated AF and ruminating for absolutely zero reason. The fact I can recognize this at all means I’m doing a hell of a lot better than I was a few years ago, though! Everything’s a win if you can spin it like one, baby!

I went out to a bar last night and I now I wont be able to do anything like that for a good month, even tho it went really well.

Draining and every second tought is "when will it end"?.

Though on a positive note, anxiety around it has reduced over the years, it has just become more annoying chore

I often wonder if that spike of anxiety and that feeling of adrenaline would be less pronounced if I just forced myself into social situations more often, or if that's just how it is for me.

Let me know if you guys find a solution to OP's question. I have the same question.

Post COVID I don't do much social stuff. The only thing that seems to keep me going out is if they have a cat or dog. They're like travel social battery chargers.