Socialising when you’re an introvert can be REALLY HARD. Thankfully though, there are a few things you can do to make attending social gatherings a little easier. In my last post (The Introvert’s Guide to Socialising this Holiday Season), I revealed the strategies I came across whilst listening to an episode of Marie Forleo’s podcast. She and Susan Caine discussed five ways to network like a pro when you’re an introvert. Listening to them was like a lightbulb going off in my head. Susan’s strategies were going to help me socialise like a pro this holiday season.
Over the years I’ve had to find my own ways for the introvert in me to deal with social situations. At times it’s been tough, but it’s got easier as the years have gone on. After listening to the podcast episode I started thinking about the things I do at an event to avoid an introvert hangover. There were quite a few, but I thought I’d share my top five in the hope that, if you’re an introvert like me, they’ll help you too…
Five more ways to socialise like a pro (when you’re an introvert)…
1. Take time to prepare
When you know what to expect, the socialising aspect becomes a lot less daunting. Take the time to prepare as much as you can for the event in advance:
- Figure out your route and how long it’ll take to get there.
- Establish where you need to go once you’re there.
- Find out if there’ll be people there you know so there’s at least one familiar face.
- If there’s a group chat for the event, try joining in as much as possible beforehand. It helps to break the ice!
2. Go with someone
One of the hardest things for an introvert to do is enter a room full of strangers all by themselves. Those first few seconds spent frantically searching for someone you know so you don’t have to speak to someone you don’t can be pretty stressful! Meeting up with a friend beforehand can help. Travel in together or arrange to meet outside first so you don’t have to go in alone.
3. Work on your small talk
Striking up a conversation with someone you don’t know can be really hard. As an introvert, I prefer more deep and meaningful conversations with those I know well over making small talk with someone I don’t. But small talk is inevitable and unavoidable at social gatherings. The best way to deal with this? Brush up on your small talk! Having a few conversation starters up your sleeve can really help. My blogging buddy Mary over at Coffie and Moxie has some great tips on how to effectively deal with small talk. You can read her article here…
4. Have somewhere to breakout
Always have somewhere you can retreat to if you need to take a moment to recharge. When I’m at home I escape to the comfy chair in my bedroom. If needed I’ll camp out in one of the bedrooms at my parents and in-laws when I’m there too. I’ve also been known to seek the solace of my car or the bathroom if there isn’t anywhere else! It doesn’t matter where you choose to go, but having somewhere to retreat to makes things a lot less stressful.
5. Have an unwind ritual for when you get in
Figure out what it is that you like to do best when you recharge. Then be sure to do it when you get in. For me, it’s running the bath, putting on comfy pj’s and curling up with a good book. Having that to look forward to at the end of the night makes me less likely to want to cancel at the last minute. It helps me to cope when I’m there too because I know I have the opportunity to ‘introvert’ and recharge once I’m back home.
Socialising made easier…
There you have it, my top five ways to socialise like a pro when you’re an introvert. Combine these with Susan’s strategies and you’ll be THE social queen his holiday season!
Not yet read The Introvert’s Guide to Socialising this Holiday Season? Check it out here…
That’s it for this post! Has it helped? If you like what you’ve read, be sure to subscribe so you never miss a post! Join my tribe and kick-start creating a family life you love right now by filling in your details below. I’ll send you a copy of my FREE Daily Planner as a thank-you!
Are you an introvert too? Do you find all the extra socialising this time of year tough? How do you cope…leave your top tip in the comments below!
Until next time…
