5 Tips for Socializing When You're Socially Anxious
If you struggle with social anxiety, you are not alone! Socializing can be draining, daunting, and much as you might sometimes wish it were… impossible to avoid. Even the most social of people experience social fatigue. Thankfully, we’re here to help! Read on for more on how to put your best (social) foot forward.
1. Plan ahead
Where are you going? Who will be there? What’s the vibe? While you can’t predict everything about a night out on the town — or at home, or a friend’s house, or a function, etc. — you can take some time to figure out the details. Knowing where you’ll be, what you’ll be doing, what to wear, and who you’ll be around can stave off the anxiety that comes from not knowing what you’re walking into.
2. Find a friend
Now that you’ve got that guest list, find a friend! It’s much less daunting to go into a social function when you already know someone who’s there. If they’re a good friend, shoot them a text ahead of time to tell them you’re excited to see them. You might even make plans to meet up and go to the event together. If you don’t know anyone going and the invitation is open, B.Y.O.F. (Bring your own friend!)
3. Ask questions…
You might not love to talk, but chances are at least some of the people around you will! Good listeners are few and far between. If you’re feeling antsy about making conversation, ask the person you’re talking to a question. Ask follow up questions. Listen attentively. Chances are, they’ll hit you with some questions of their own.
4. …and bring conversation starters!
Much as we’d like it to, conversation doesn’t always come naturally. Thankfully, there are plenty of conversation starters you can bank ahead of time. (We’ve come up with quite a few ourselves!) If there’s a lull or you don’t know what to say, pull one of these out of your pocket to keep the conversation going.
5. Take breaks
Bathroom breaks. Water breaks. Breathing breaks. Outside time. Quiet corner of the room time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to give yourself a break. Socializing can be draining, especially if it’s not something that comes naturally to you. You don’t need to be a bona fide social butterfly to survive the function. Trying your best and taking space when you need it is more than enough.