Benefits and Disadvantages of Bringing a Friend?

[CollegeBound]

I am considering bringing a friend with me to my next appointment, even if she has to sit in the car while I do my thing. She knows about my phobia, and I know (logically) that she will support me and help in any way she can. I just don't want her to see me freak out.

What are some advantages to bringing a friend to appointments? What are the disadvantages?

 

[AsaGohan]

You have to make sure that friend has the patience of a saint. It helps me to have my boyfriend bring me in. also, if they do just an examination, usually the dentist will let them into the room to hold your hand. Even if during a procedure they are just sitting in the waiting room it is really nice to see a friendly face when you get out of the dentist office.

 

[CollegeBound]

Thanks for your response I think that there are only two friends that I have that I could trust with that sort of thing. And my guy friend (not boyfriend yet... lol) doesn't know about this and I do not want him to. We are still trying to get to know each other, but this is something that I don't know if I would feel safe sharing with him so early in the game. I hate talking about this situation with people other than on here because I am scared that people with judge me and that they will make fun of me. At least I know the forum is safe to vent to, because we are all in the same boat.

 

[Sweet Tooth]

The davantage of bringing a friend is that we could plan to do something fun after the appointment. This would give me something to look forward to while I am at the appointment.

For me, the disadvantage would be that I might want to sit quietly in the waiting room and try to calm myself down. I also enjoy looking at the other people waiting and try to notice if they are giving off any nervous signals. This kind of distracts me from thinking about myself