An Introvert’s Guide to Holiday Parties

On our way to an end of the year work party in Mexico!

This time of year, we often find ourselves obligated to attend multiple social events with family, friends, and coworkers. If you’re an introverted librarian, like me, the thought of crowded rooms full of noisy people and distractions is overwhelming. I have struggled with these parties for years and have finally collected enough “helpful tips” to actually enjoy myself. Here is what has worked for me.

I think that introverts need to prepare themselves for parties, like marathoners before a big race. Get plenty of sleep the night before, eat healthy and drink lots of water. When it comes time to start getting ready for the party, I usually have a coffee and an apple or banana. This combination seems to give me a boost of steady energy. When I get to the party, if it’s appropriate, I’ll have a glass of wine. This gives my hands something to do while the alcohol works its magic. Obviously, having a drink is entirely up to you.

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Have you ever heard the advice to treat everyone you meet like they are your cousin? Think back to the last time you went to a family function or met a distant cousin for lunch. There’s not usually the same anxiety associated with family events as there is with walking into a room full of strangers. I think the difference is that with family, you assume you have something in common. So, choose to assume you have something in common with everyone you meet.

Give compliments. This is the advice I have the most fun with. Like someone’s jewelry, tell them! Like someone’s shirt, tell them! Chances are they will have a story to tell about whatever it is that you like. I once had a pleasant conversation with someone in an elevator because I complimented his Star Wars shirt. If your compliment doesn’t go anywhere, you probably still made their day and that is a good thing. 

Ask questions. This is some of the first advice I ever found about meeting people and it works! People want to talk about themselves and they will like you for showing an interest. I once went to a work event and spent a nice evening talking with someone who I always considered to be attractive and confident. FYI, he now has his own (well rated) TV show. I started deploying my trick of asking him questions and then I realized he was doing the same thing to me! We basically spent the entire night trying to out-question each other. The point is, successful people use this trick.

Hopefully these tips will make your partying a little merrier! I love hearing what other people have had success with so please share your tips in the comment section below. Also, let me know if you have had any luck with any of the tips I use! Cheers Everyone! 

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Check back on Thursday for a No Spoiler Review of The Wanderers.
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