An Introverts Guide To Handling Social Interactions Without Burning Out

Any introverts in the room, raise your hands! Time to put an end to social exhaustion and socialize like an extrovert.

Social interactions can be fulfilling or exhausting, depending on your personality type. As opposed to what many people might think, introverts aren’t antisocial; they just socialize differently.

As an introvert myself, there are moments that a room filled with people is daunting and an energy drainer, so spending a Saturday evening by myself binge-watching Netflix can be more fulfilling than going out. And at times, I like to socialize. So here’s a guide on how to do it without having social fatigue.

Get To Know Yourself

If personality traits do exist, they aren’t, however, set in stone. Psychologists call the “person-situation,” which means some behaviors might change according to the situations.

In other words, if you’re an introvert but eventually likes to gather on social interactions, get to know yourself -- how much of social interaction is entertaining, draining, or just enough to you?

Identify Your Triggers

What causes you to feel drained? Take some time to identify the situations that don’t make you feel ok. It might be small talks at a happy hour, needing to socialize at work, family reunions, participate in large events? There’s no right or wrong answer here, just what works for you or not.

Learn How To Say No

Now that you know how much is enough and your triggers, you don’t need to socialize to please others. Say yes to events that you’ll genuinely enjoy, not for the sake of just saying yes. And say “no, thank you” to situations you know you won’t feel comfortable.

Small Groups of Friends Vs. Large Group Of Acquaintances

As an introvert, I reckon the value of having few but quality friends in my life. A few solid connections bring more security to feel safe to be ourselves around those who know us, inside and outside. Many casual acquaintances, for instance, don’t hold the space I need to; I’d rather be around my small group of friends.

Take Some Time For Yourself

Yeah, we do that a lot, so it’s a no-brainer for introverts. But it’s important to schedule some alone time in between social interactions whenever you choose to do it. Remember, that’s how we recharge our batteries. So take as much time as you need; it can be 10 minutes to a few hours.

Try Meditation

If social gatherings make you nervous, meditation will help you to cope with anxiety and unwanted feelings when you’re around people. With time, you won’t get triggered so quickly, learn coping skills, and develop emotional intelligence.