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Over the past few years, we’ve heard a lot about the differences between introverts and extroverts, including on this site. Whether or not you believe the distinctions are significant, there are definitely people out there who read the descriptions of introverts and identify deeply with them—making them feel less alone. But just being able to categorize yourself as an introvert isn’t going to help you at parties and other social gatherings where you’re expected to interact with other humans. Here are some tips and strategies for getting you through these occasions—ideally, without you totally hating the whole experience.




Learn when it’s worth going out

Socialization is as inevitable as it is healthy, even for introverts. However, as with any diet, there are certain things that are good for you and some stuff you can probably leave out. Here are some of the situations you can avoid and others you probably can’t.


What you can (optionally) avoid

Going to the bar/coffee shop every week. The cliché about hanging out at the a local drinkery (for which we can blame Friends and How I Met Your Mother) is common, but it’s also not typically necessary. If your friends want to just go chill in a loud, crowded place, you can probably skip some of these outings.

The cliché about hanging out at the a local drinkery (for which we can blame Friends and How I Met Your Mother) is common, but it’s also not typically necessary. If your friends want to just go chill in a loud, crowded place, you can probably skip some of these outings. Weddings/parties/etc. for people you barely know. For some, going to their best friend’s aunt’s former roommate’s wedding is a blast because they find weddings cool. If you’re an introvert, it’s OK to stick to the special events for people you actually know (the exception being if you’re needed as support for another introverted friend who can’t get out of it).

For some, going to their best friend’s aunt’s former roommate’s wedding is a blast because they find weddings cool. If you’re an introvert, it’s OK to stick to the special events for people you actually know (the exception being if you’re needed as support for another introverted friend who can’t get out of it). Going anywhere to “meet people” for dating purposes. If you’re single and don’t want to be, you have to meet people. That’s just how life works. However, the online options have never been better

What you can’t (or shouldn’t) avoid

Networking-heavy work events. Your job is not like your social life. The rat race doesn’t slow down because you like Netflix more than karaoke. While you may not need to go to every single office party, you should show up to talk with your coworkers (as well as strangers) on a semi-regular basis if you want to advance in your career.

Your job is not like your social life. The rat race doesn’t slow down because you like Netflix more than karaoke. While you may not need to go to every single office party, you should show up to talk with your coworkers (as well as strangers) on a semi-regular basis if you want to advance in your career. Special occasions for close friends and family. It should go without saying that Christmas with the family, your best friend’s birthday, or your sister’s wedding are all events you should probably go to whether you feel like it or not. Sorry, friend, but we all have our social obligations.

It should go without saying that Christmas with the family, your best friend’s birthday, or your sister’s wedding are all events you should probably go to whether you feel like it or not. Sorry, friend, but we all have our social obligations. Your own special events. You have birthdays, promotions and reasons to celebrate, too. If you don’t want to do anything elaborate or loud for your own shindigs, that’s OK. But chances are your friends will want to do something. The upside is, you get to dictate the circumstances. Strictly speaking, it’s not required, but getting out in front of the event and planning something low-key can not only help manage the stimulus, but also help bolster your relationships. After all, they wouldn’t want to celebrate with you if they didn’t care.


Of course, this isn’t to say that you can only go to events on the correct list. If you’re looking for something to avoid, though, the former list is probably better to choose from. They’re not hard fast rules (I’ve avoided plenty of my own birthdays), but when it comes to prioritizing your time and energy, some events are worth more than others.

Have a goal for your outing

It may sound about as enjoyable as filling out a stack of paperwork to get a sandwich, but having a specific goal for your trip out can help make it easier to socialize. Are you going out to network for your career? Give yourself a socialization quota. Celebrating a friend’s birthday? Focus on them for a good portion of the evening (but give them room to talk to other people, too.) Trying to meet someone to date? Talk to attractive people you don’t know.


Having a goal helps you define what you want to accomplish in an outing, but more importantly, it keeps your brain focused. Part of the problem introverts have with big social gatherings is the constant flood of external stimulus. By giving yourself a specific task, you occupy your brain so it’s less focused on the thumping music or bright lights.


Bookend your outing with quiet time before and after

One of the key differences between introverts and extroverts is that introverts recharge their metaphorical batteries by being alone, while extroverts tend to enjoy crowds and stimulation. While your extroverted friends are coming to the party to get energized, as an introvert you need to come prepared with your own fuel.


Whenever possible, make sure to take some time for yourself before you head out for an evening of socializing. Read your book, watch something on Netflix, go for a walk, or do whatever it is that relaxes you. Then, when you’re feeling pumped up, head out for the shindig. If you try to go straight from work or a full day of being around other people to a party, you’re going to have a hard time keeping your energy levels up.


Once you’re out, give yourself some space on the tail end as well. Whether you’re taking the next day off or leaving the party early so you can unwind by re-watching Futurama for the fifteenth time, make a space in your schedule to gain some of your energy back. Not only will having space for yourself after the hootenanny relax you, it will give you something to look forward to later so you don’t feel trapped or overwhelmed by the group.

Find (or make) a quiet hiding spot to take a break

Filling up on you-time before you go to a party is great way to prepare yourself for socialization, but your tank can still run out before the evening is over. When you first arrive, scout out a place that you can retreat to if you need a moment. It can be a patio, a kitchen, a bathroom, or even just your car.


As Psychology Today explains, these moments alone provide some much-needed relief from the various stimuli that overwhelm introvert brains. You don’t want to spend all your time away from the group, but even a few minutes can be enough to recalibrate:

Yeah, I have a few party tricks up my sleeve, don’t you? For example, admit it: At some point at a party, you’ve gone into the bathroom not because nature called, but for a moment of quiet solitude. Closing that bathroom door in that small, silent room ... ahhhhh. It’s a whole different kind of relief. I know one woman who admits to shutting herself in the bathroom—at her own parties and others’—and reading.


Even better than finding a spot at someone else’s party, however, is making a space at your own. For example, I attended an introverted friend’s birthday party where the back patio was designated as a specific place for introverts to take a break whenever they need to. If you have a group of friends who understand that being introverted means you need a break now and then, set up your own space. You can even start it at your own parties. You might be surprised how quickly people will latch on to the idea. It’s like having an area for smoking breaks, but without the second-hand lung cancer.

Use friends to infiltrate new social circles

Being introverted doesn’t necessarily mean being shy, but the two often overlap. If you’re having trouble talking with new people, have a friend or two that you can piggyback off of to meet strangers. Let your friend start conversations with someone you don’t know, then offer your input as they discuss. You can easily sneak into conversations this way.


You don’t want to spend the entire evening talking with the people you already know (or maybe you do, but if you’re out to socialize or network, that’s probably not helpful). However, start by talking with your friend and then include new people into the conversation. Ask for their input on a topic you’re already discussing. This trick allows you to bring other people into your own, existing conversations, which may be more comfortable for introverted brains.

It’s also helpful to have multiple friends you can do this with, spread out over the party. If you came to the party with a group of extroverts, they may want to mingle. If you can pick out two or more people you already know, you can use them as anchor points (as well as escape vectors) for conversation. If you find yourself stuck with someone you don’t want to talk to, politely say you need to check in with Friend A. When you’ve spent some time piggybacking on Friend A and want to give them a break, check out what Friend B is up to and talk to that group.


Accept small talk as a part of life

Let’s face it. You just can’t get to know new people without small talk. While I might be able to talk for hours about spreadsheets (it’s a sickness, really), most people probably find it boring. Small talk is the path we take to that common ground. What you do for work, where you live, who you know, and what you think of this cheese dip are the highways you take until you can jump off on a more interesting social exit.


The truth is, there’s no one trick that makes you good at small talk. There are plenty you can try, but it’s not a science. However, accepting it as normal and okay is as essential to making it work as oil is to an engine. Reddit user IAmaJampire explains two key points about small talk that help explain why you shouldn’t fear it:

People want to know you As an introvert I find that my default is to think that people don’t really care and don’t want to know me. THIS IS A FALLACY. Your brain will tell you that from time to time. It’s mostly not true, unless the people you’re with are total D-bags anyway. You get what you give You will get out of a party what you put into it. You might need to build up to talking to people you don’t know, but making an effort is half the battle. You’ll be surprised at how people will react to this. And if they don’t, it’s not your fault. You tried!


Unless you believe you have met all the cool people you could ever need or want in your life, chances are someone out there has a cool story. Small talk is how you find them. And they want to be found. Small talk isn’t a scary monster that’s out to get you. It’s a friend that wants to introduce you to someone awesome. You don’t have to enjoy doing it all the time, but adopting an attitude that it’s not the worst thing ever will go a long way.

While introverts are not inherently bad at socialization, we do tend to have less socialization experience due to our natural inclination to hide. That being the case, don’t be afraid to brush up on your body language and small talk skills. More importantly, however, accept that small talk is a normal part of life and you’ll have an easier time getting out of your shell when you need to.


How to Get Better at Small Talk Three years ago, after leaving a job and with (very) little to do, I used part of my savings on an Read more

Have an escape plan

For an introvert, one of the worst things that can happen at a party is to be trapped there. When your energy runs out, you’ll want to keep one eye on the door, but if you rode with friends, you’re stuck waiting. While you probably want to have a friend or two to talk with, it may be better if you’re not also their transportation. At the very least, try to have an alternative way home.


Having an escape plan can help take the pressure off and put you in control of your energy. While the more extroverted people at the party may not want it to end, you can slip out without raining on someone else’s parade. Having a degree of control can also make you feel a bit better about hanging out with people you don’t know.

This story was originally published in 2014 and was updated on 11/26/19 to provide more thorough and current information.