Design For Life

Advice column: I feel a sense of dread at the prospect of socialising with colleagues

This week, Professor Jim Lucey offers advice to a reader for whom the prospect of professional networking has become a problem

I feel anxious and upset at the prospect of another night of small talk, often with strangers. Picture: Getty

Dear Expert:

I am a senior executive whose job requires networking, often meaning attending social functions at least one evening each week. Before the pandemic I found this to be a necessary evil, but something I took in my stride. In the past year, however, I feel a sense of genuine dread at the prospect of another night of small talk, often with strangers. I would go so far as to say I feel anxious ...