The original article made no mention of anxiety. It is an assumption being made in this conversation. Given the information presented in the article I am responding as if the graduate didn’t have these issues since that was not presented. She could have been an introvert. All I am saying is that throughout life we will find ourselves in uncomfortable situations personally or professionally. Running away doesn’t solve the issues at hand. Sometimes we have to face these situations head on. I’m not being insensitive to someone with anxiety as I have experienced some very stressful situations in my life. There are ways to cope with it if you seek professional help. If she is graduating high school she will have to transition to college which will be a completely new setting with new people. How will she cope with that? It is quite common to celebrate milestones. Each family handles it differently some not celebrating at all but there will be a time when she will partake in some celebration. (wedding, child’s birthday, relatives celebration)
If someone throws a surprise party for me that I knew nothing about beforehand and I receive presents wouldn’t it be odd if I don’t at least say thank you and acknowledge the gifts? Can I say I have anxiety so I can’t say thank you? Would it be appropriate for me to just walk out of the party? Sometimes we do things not because we enjoy it but because it gives happiness to others. The parents worked hard to raise a child do they not have a right to celebrate even on a small scale with just family and close friends. Kids can expect everything from parents but parents can’t expect anything from the kids? (mutual understanding) Whatever happened to compassion for others or are we in a world now where it is only about me?