Possums, if it helps, I find that there are times when it is easier to handle and times when it is more difficult. I don't know if it's down to mood, hormones or simply what stage of a cycle I'm at, but sometimes I'm fine. And sometimes I'm a bundle of barely-contained emotion, just waiting to burst...

Earlier this year I missed the baby shower for our friend expecting twins because it was 3 days after our BFN for IVF#2 and I just couldn't face it. And yet, a week later, I got through a christening and 1st birthday party without incident. When the twins were born (on our anniversary and halfway through stims for IVF#3), I was fine when we went in to meet them. But 6 weeks earlier (also just after the BFN for IVF#2) I burst into tears when we visited another friend and her new arrival in hospital (fortunately their first child was from IVF so she understood).

I'm at a point now where, if I know its something that I'm going to have difficulty with, or if I'm standing at the door praying for an act of god to get me out of it, I make an excuse - I don't force myself to go. In the case of the baby shower I sent DH in my place. And if it's something I can't get out of then I just need to rely on my friends to understand if I don't handle it well.

ps. By coincidence, the older brother of the twins turns 2 this week and we're supposed to be going to the party this weekend. Of course, AF is due this weekend too for me. I'll be making a decision on the day as to whether or not I go.