>>17125489
Time to just tell your friend that you're not feeling up to it at this point, OP! Truth is best BUT if you have to make up something, saying that "something came up" can be somewhat accurate, even if that "something" is mundane. GL!

I've known him for a really long time, and I don't feel like blowing him off. We're good friends, and I feel like I don't see him enough. These types of parties are basically clubbing - you can't even talk. It will be full of strangers and the alcohol will cost mad-much.

>>17125502
Then you need to commit to going, nurse one drink if you can for as long as possible (so not to spend so much money), smile and try to stay close to him. Try to at least make it through 15 mins before giving a reason to leave--maybe even offering an alternative to being there if you still want to spend time together!

>>17125489
Meet him in at a halfway point. Go but don't stay the full duration. Or go with the intention that if you don't enjoy it, you'll leave at the halfway point but if you end up enjoying it, stay the rest of the time. Think of it as a favor to yourself and you training your willpower by doing something you don't want to do.

Just make sure to communicate to friend about potentially leaving halfway in.

Personally, I don't think you should skip it. Especially considering your friend went to yours and wants you to go to his and you already have a ticket. There's also the aspect of, this is going to be far better than just sitting home on Chans or playing vidya. How much does this friend mean to you? If he's a bro, go.

>>17125575
as a favor to your friend*