An Introverts Guide To Socializing

Living in the lockdown has been the dream of some introverts. You don’t have to go anywhere or do anything and most importantly you don’t have to see anybody. However, this type of life will not always be possible.

As the world is opening up again, introverts will need to start getting back out and into the world. After being in isolation for so long, it might be extra challenging, but there are ways that you can make it easier for yourself.

We have compiled a list of tips that you can use to feel more comfortable when you’re socializing.

Small Goals

You should set yourself small and achievable goals when you go out. These goals can look like arriving on time and making conversation with significant people, or they can look like simply showing up.

Setting goals like this will help you get out because you will feel like you’re in control of your life and the social situation. For introverts, it’s essential to feel like you’re in control of your social situation.

Do It Scared

Introverts can find it intimidating to go out and meet with people, but one of the most important things to remember is that you should always try to overcome your fear and if you can’t overcome it, roll with it!

Doing it scared is still doing it, and you can pat yourself on the back for simply getting out and seeing people. Knowing that you did it and got through it will also make the next time you go out to feel a little easier.

Cool To Be Quiet

By nature, introverts are quiet around people that they do not know. There is no shame in being reserved at a social gathering. If it makes it more comfortable, speak only with the people you know well, so you feel comfortable.

While extroverts will talk to anyone about anything, introverts take a while to warm up and see no point in small talk. If you find someone whose company you enjoy and who you can have a good conversation with, go for it. Otherwise, it’s OK to be silent.

Get Help

It has been said that every introvert needs an extrovert to help them socialize. While this statement might not be backed by science, it is true as you can meet people through your extroverted friends.

Having your extroverted friends introduce you to people will help you make friends with other people you might not have known otherwise. Doing this also shows you how to make friends so that you can practice that later in life.

Be Helpful

If you’re at a social gathering and you don’t feel like you can handle socializing anymore, you can simply become the most helpful person at the party. You can start clearing away dishes and cleaning up around you.

Doing this will ensure that you are still part of the gathering without participating in too many conversations. It will also ensure that you don’t deplete your social battery too quickly.

Plan Conversations

It might seem silly, but planning conversations ahead of time can help you feel more comfortable when you’re at a social gathering. You can plan conversation starters that will help you to talk to people.

You don’t have to plan an entire conversation, but you can choose topics of discussion that you feel comfortable with to help you speak to people more easily.

Wear A Statement Piece

If you can’t think of any conversation topics that you would like to speak to strangers about, you can wear a statement piece that will start conversations naturally as long as you feel comfortable with that.

Your statement piece can be anything from a vintage brooch to wild hair color, so long as it inspires conversation. Usually, when people see something interesting in a person, they will be more inclined to speak with them.

Leave Early

Going to a social gathering is exhausting enough for introverts, but having to stay the entire duration is downright torture. You don’t have to keep up the whole time, though. It’s okay to leave early if you feel like you need to.

If you went to the party with someone, make sure that they are okay with you possibly leaving early and also make sure that you have a way to get home that won’t require anyone else to leave if they don’t want to.

Take Breaks

While you’re at a social gathering, it can get quite overwhelming. It might seem like the crowd is closing in on you, and your personal space is being violated. When this happens, it’s time to take a break.

You can take a break by going to the bathroom or sneaking off into a quiet room in the house for a few moments alone or with one other person you feel comfortable with. You must do this so that you don’t feel uncomfortable.

Recharge

Once you have gone to a social gathering, make sure that you get the rest and relaxation you need to recharge. Recharging is vital for the mental health and wellbeing of an introvert.

Different people recharge in different ways, but you must recharge in whichever way works best for you to go back out into the world and socialize another time again.