HELP! Invited to New Years Party

[Keddy]

Most of my friends understand and respect that I "don't do" social events. They still invite me because they are my friends, but they usually don't give me a hard time if I don't show up or if I do show up and go sit in the corner.
I was invited to a New Years party at work, and I feel like it would be a jerk move to decline, since this isn't just some get together with a bunch of friends, it's sort of a job commitment. I already passed up on one gathering we had recently because I felt too nervous. Everyone was a little disappointed that I didn't show up.
My friend suggested that I go to the party and get a little tipsy so I don't act as nervous. I can't drink. I act like a fool. There is no way I'm going to take his advice in this case. I'd rather go and do something stupid and retreat into the corner than go and have a few beers and do something I'll remember and regret for the rest of the week.
I get along with everyone at my job, so that's not the problem. It's more that I'm just going to be nervous the whole time and it will probably not go unnoticed. I know I'm going to look awkward and I don't want my co-workers to worry about me or to get frustrated if I'm quiet or shaky. And I know people are going to offer me drinks and I feel like it's rude if I say no, and it is a social thing, but the last thing I need is to make an @$$ of myself.
I am also trying to get promoted so I need to make a good impression on my boss by showing up to more of these events and coming out of my shell so she can see that I'm committed.
Any suggestions?
Thnx
/Keddy

[Inscrutable Banana]

If you feel like going to the party will positively impact your chances at a promotion in some way it'd probably be best to gather up the courage to go. How well do you handle your alcohol? You could try accepting one or two beers and drinking them very, very slowly. If you drive, you could also try declining drinks by saying you need to stay sober for the drive home.

[Sagan]

IF you decide to go, Ask questions. If you can't think of things to say or make conversation, start asking general questions. People love to talk about themselves, well most do, and it will seem like you are interacting and being friendly. This technique has helped me in the past when in social gatherings. But it may be different for you. If you can drink just a little bit, just enough to take the edge off but not get drunk it may help relieve the tension and nervousness.

[merc]

Just consider this one of those work related things that you have to do. There are probably many others attending who would rather be with friends in a more relaxed setting. Don't over think it. Find one or two people that you like to talk to and they may be grateful for your company. At some pre-school functions there was this one person I was friendly with that had a habit of monopolizing a conversation. Like Sagan said find one of these people and ask them questions and you can sometimes kill an hour or two. Also, don't worry too much if you aren't the life of the party. I usually get freaked out when I have no one to talk to, but really look around at people and you will see the people who aren't to glad to be there and it is ok to just be there watching the procedures. Drink a little, find the snacks, make them last. Is is a bring your significant other event. If you can take a good friend it will help. My husband is good at calming me down and not letting me get irrational stressing over small things.
Do any of your regular clients come to this? Smile and greet them. Once I was freaked because I had to go to the local republican corn boil picnic by myself and take a photo of the bigwigs. I saw one of my township supervisors dressed up in a suit when I realized that it was him I went over and complimented him on his suit. He was in salvage and rather wealthy, but I think he'd rather been wearing his backward overalls and ball cap.
I wish you well at this event. Post an update and let us know how it goes.

[Keddy]

Thanks, guys! I'll take all these things into consideration! I think I'm going to suck it up and go. I guess I could have maybe half a beer and I wouldn't act like a total idiot LOL.
And Merc- I will definitely find the snacks Good advice.

[Skippy]

Good luck, hey? I act like an idiot when I booze, but I find that fun. Just like with everythin' else of me, If no one likes it they can just suck it up n' kiss mahhh [BEEP]!. LOL I plan on getting drunk and singing Irish drinking songs tonight.

[Keddy]

Update:
Well, not only was the party a drag and I was only there for a couple of hours before I got uncomfortable and left, but I was notified earlier today that I lost my position at work because of something going on between me and a few other people. Something that I had caused :/ I will accept full responsibility.
Honestly, I think it was all a misunderstanding, and I admit that it could've been worse. I could've been fired. But I did kind of lose a friend over it :/ Going to be awkward around that office these days
I know I was in the wrong. I had been getting along really well with my co-workers but now several of them are mad at me. Obviously for someone with severe SA this is not a walk in the park :/ At the party I was really given the cold shoulder.
Ugh I never mean to start drama but I'm just too awkward for my own good!
I really wanted that promotion
The worst of it all is that I'm now the assistant to someone who is younger than me and got my old position only because he's more socially competent. I'm sure that's why. And he's "cool" or "chill" or whatever they say because they don't want to be rude and say "normal" :/
Well, my New Years' Resolution is to look for a new job. F*** it. Their loss. I'm going to quit ASAP.
Hope everyone is enjoying their New Year's Eve...

[Inscrutable Banana]

Well then, that's an unexpected and unfortunate turn of events to end the year with. No es bueno.

Better luck to you in the new year, Keddy.

[merc]

I'm really sorry that you lost your promotion and the party wasn't great. I had hopes that it would just be dull and boring not truly dreadful. Fall flat on your face come last in the race but go for it. At least you went and showed up.

[Sagan]

I'm sorry to hear this Keddy.