The Introvert’s Practical Approach To Social Events

Finding ways to dodge social events is my superpower. But in a world where other people exist, my skills are not foolproof. I am sometimes obligated to attend social events. Nothing (barring spiders and flying cockroaches) makes me quiver more than the thought of being surrounded by multitudes of people. Yet, during my recent visit to Trinidad, my cousin nominated me to be the Mistress Of Ceremonies at her wedding….gulp! But I digress. That, my friends, is a story for another day. As a result of my inevitable social escapades visiting family and friends this Summer, I decided to write this piece, The Introvert’s Practical Approach To Social Events.

In everything in life, balance is required. And while I would be totally content spending the rest of my days in absolute solitude, the need for balance demands that I do life differently. Research has shown that being socially connected directly affects one’s health and well-being. Read more about this here. I value my life, and I have a vested interest in maintaining my health. As a result, I have vowed to make a conscientious effort to apply my social skills even if social events are way out of my comfort zone. So, I urge you to stick around and explore with me, The Introvert’s Practical Approach To Social Events.

Common characteristics of an introvert

I wrote a blog post a while back entitled Practical Struggles Of The Introvert Mom In Today’s World. In it, I talked about the characteristics of an introvert. I invite you to head over to that previous post to read more details about an introvert’s characteristics. Here, I will present them to you in list form, and I am adding a few others that I have learned along the way.

INTROVERTS

• need alone time
• have few friendships, but they are solid ones
• don’t like small talk very much
• often find social engagements exhausting
• quite often make plans with people but then try to get out of them
• are very self-aware
• are deep thinkers
• often prefer to work independently
• take their time making decisions
• are creative

It is important to recognize that these characteristics exist on a spectrum. As a result, different introverts exhibit these characteristics to varying degrees.

There are 4 types of introverts

1. SOCIAL INTROVERTS

This type prefers to be alone or in small groups.

2. THINKING INTROVERTS

This type is introspective and can get lost in their own thoughts.

3. ANXIOUS INTROVERTS

This type prefers solitude and often avoids social interaction, which may make them anxious. They may even appear rude to people.

4. RESTRAINED/INHIBITED INTROVERTS

This type appears grounded. These introverts are not prone to make rash decisions. They are dependable.

If you are wondering if you are an introvert, here is a quick test you can take.

The introvert’s practical approach to social events

Choose which social event to attend

Realistically, the average person does not attend every social event they are invited to. They pick and choose depending on whether they have the time to attend or whether they want to attend. The same factors come into play when introverts decide which event to attend, but there are a few more things that introverts might consider.

• will they know anyone there?
• will they be out of their comfort zone?
• are they free to leave whenever they want?
• can they bring a friend?
• as an anxious introvert, will the event precipitate more anxiety?
• do they have a role to play at the event?

Mentally prepare for the social event

This preparation can take many forms. It will probably prove to be a walk in the park for the thinking introvert. After all, mental exercises are right up their alley! The introvert may decide to put together a list, mentally or on paper, of different conversation starters. They may even make these conversation starters specific to certain people they know will also be in attendance.

The introvert may also try to imagine the different scenarios they might encounter and then devise acceptable ways to deal with them. Undoubtedly, this is a time-consuming and elaborate process, but for the introvert, it may be a necessary one.

Take a friend

It is a fact that even though introverts may have few friends, the friendships they have are solid and based on trust, comfort, and mutual respect. So, if they can take a friend to the event, why not? There will always be someone to talk to if they find it difficult to fit in. This friend will know how and when to assist the introvert and provide a source of comfort and ease.

Some more ways introverts can tackle social events

Arrive early

Arriving early will ensure the introvert is familiar with the surroundings. Finding a quiet spot to go to when they need to be alone will be easier. They will have a wider choice of seating, positioning themselves closer to people they are comfortable being around. Fewer people around allows for more one-on-one interaction. People can then join the conversation that the introvert is already a part of, which decreases the need for conversation starters and decreases anxiety.

Take breaks to recharge

I know all too well how draining social events can be. The introvert must find opportunities to get away from the crowd and be alone. Even if it is just for a short while, and even if it is just a bathroom break, these little getaways are essential for the introvert to recharge and “power up.”

If, for some reason, breaks are difficult to come by, the introvert should put a time limit on how long they are at the event.

Choose small groups to interact with

Introverts may feel more comfortable in smaller groups because these take less of a hit on their energy level. Smaller groups may also allow for more in-depth conversations, which introverts tend to favor. As mentioned before, however, introverts display introvert characteristics on a spectrum, so don’t be surprised if you see your introverted friend holding their own in a larger group. Sometimes, that’s just how we roll!

More practical approaches an introvert can use in social settings

Choose which conversations to be a part of

I’ll be straight with you: if all I’m getting out of a group conversation is small talk, I’m outta there! I don’t like small talk, and you can bet your bottom dollar that your introverted friend doesn’t either. I find small talk shallow and boring. The introvert can either politely excuse themself or not join the conversation in the first place.

Know their limit

Chances are, most introverts know their limits in social settings. If not, they will quickly learn. As soon as they start to feel like they have had enough, it may be time to go or take a break to recharge. Knowing their limit comes with practice, so the more social events attended, the better they get at recognizing and knowing their limits.

In Conclusion

Writing this piece, The Introvert’s Practical Approach To Social Events has stirred in me a desire to go out there and put these into practice! Nobody likes being out of their comfort zone, but it is then, and only then, that one can truly grow. In all things, I aspire to grow as an individual and as an introvert. Every day, I become more and more comfortable in my own skin and with who I am becoming. And to be honest, I’m truly in love with the evolution that is taking place.

What about you? First of all, are you an introvert, and second of all, even if you are not, do you find yourself applying any of these tactics in social settings that you find yourself in?

I hope that you enjoyed reading this post. As always, I would love to hear your thoughts and views. So please feel free to leave a comment below, and I hope you’ll come back to visit my blog soon.

Much peace and love to you!