Although most introverts would rather stay at home with a good book than attend any social gathering, sometimes that’s just not possible. Sometimes it’s actually a good idea to get out and mingle with other people. Naturally shy people find it hard to socialize, but that doesn’t make it impossible, and once you have mastered the following tips, you’ll find it a lot easier; you can benefit greatly.
Take On A Job
Quite often it’s the standing around and having to make small talk aspect of a party that worries introverts. If you can do away with that, you can enjoy yourself a lot more. One way to do this is to keep busy – take on a job while you’re at the party. Your host or hostess will appreciate the help, and it will mean you have the perfect excuse to slip away when the crowd gets too much. You might be the person who gathers up and washes empty glasses, or perhaps you’ll carry a tray of hors-d’oeuvres. Having this sense of purpose will put you in a positive frame of mind, so it will be easier to talk to people when you’re ready to.
Network
There is always someone who can be useful to us at some point, whether that’s a helping hand in business or someone we can later call a friend. When you go to a party, make it a point to find that one person. This means talking to people for a reason, asking specific questions, determining who you can keep in touch with. Purposeful discussions are a lot easier than general chitchat, and you can prepare questions and discussion topics in advance.
Prepare Yourself
Give yourself plenty of time to get ready for the party – don’t just throw on the first outfit you find in your closet when you realize you have five minutes before you have to leave. Work out what you’re going to wear well in advance; you don’t have to buy something new if you don’t want to, and by giving yourself a lot of time you can ask friends and family and borrow something from them if you have nothing suitable. For women, look online for makeup tips and find a new hairstyle on mynewhairstyles.net and practice both. For men, shine your shoes and shave or trim your beard so that it’s neat. The better you feel about how you look, the better you’ll feel in general, and your confidence will soar.
Know When To Leave
Decide what time you’re going to leave before you arrive. Having a personal cut off time is extremely freeing as you know you can make the most of the time you’re there and then go home. You can always extend the time if you want to; no one will know. Decide to stay for two hours or so, and be aware of the time but don’t keep looking at the clock. Clock watching will make you and everyone around you nervous, and it might insult the host who has spent a long time making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. When it’s time to leave, don’t make an excuse, just say your goodbyes and leave smiling.