People don't notice I'm stressed...

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Going to church is really important to me but, particularly over the last year, the social events associated with that are really stressful. Individually, I get on pretty well with the people that go, and the person who I would consider my best friend is there. However, as a whole group, I find it really difficult to connect. Everyone is really loud, and they laugh incredibly loud at things that I don't really find that funny. It's hard to concentrate on anything when there's that much noise and usually I'm wishing I could have a focused, meaningful conversation with someone instead. So, sometimes when other people are making their noise, I retreat into my own thoughts - sometimes I get really stressed. The bad thing is, most people don't notice. I've tried to explain to my best friend and she keeps saying that she will look out for me, but she inevitably forgets. I love these people individually but as a big group - it's too much.

I am not sure what your question is.

If it is does the same happen to others-

then yes. I have the same issue. When i was working, i used to like to interact with people on an one on one basis but the moment they got together in a larger group like office parties, i just could not focus and got overwhelmed. There were too many things happening and i would get freaked out.

If you are upset/concerned that your best friend did not notice-

well. i dont think people actually pay attention to one person in a party. On the other hand it could be something you do which could indicate that you are not stressed. Like with me- if i ever go into parties, i generally have a fixed smile, so people think that i am smiling and enjoying myself. Only i know that i am getting tired and lost as i know how much an effort it is to hold that smile. No one else gets it.

In family functions when i go with my family, my brother gets it, but other than him no one. He is special for the fact that he gets most of my states of mind without me having to tell. But no one else other than him does.

So i can only say, i have also had that same experience but i dont think i can even expect people to get what i feel.

For me the worst was when someone actually got upset with me for getting stressed and not eating at a party. I was really scared then and did not know what to do.

It's alright. I have always thought that most NTs are stress-free until I read through their Tweets. Most people can't tell that you are stressed unless you confide in them.