While introverts would usually prefer to stay home and do their own thing than spend time at parties or other social gatherings, this doesn’t mean they’re not sometimes excited to head out with their friends and have a good time. Luckily, they’ve developed these 15 superpowers to help them survive — and thrive in — awkward situations.
1. They prep a script for what to talk about.
Introverts sometimes struggle to think on the fly during social situations, so it helps them to jot down some ideas of conversational icebreakers before heading to a party. This means they show up feeling much more confident and prepared, which leads to less stress and anxiety. In other words, they can actually be themselves and have a good time!
2. They make the other person feel good.
Introverts are really good at making the other person the star of the show. They don’t dominate conversations and interrupt people when they’re talking. They let the other person shine because they tune in and ask questions. Not only does this make the other person feel truly heard and understood, but it also lets the introvert shy away from the spotlight. It’s a win-win!
3. They show tons of empathy.
Introverts are tuned into other people’s emotions, which makes them extremely empathetic. When they’re talking to someone at a party or other social event, they truly relate to what the person is talking about and show understanding and sympathy. This provides a thread for connection — who could resist someone who’s so kind-hearted?
4. They compliment people genuinely.
To help introverts sail through awkward situations at parties — for instance, if they’re standing around and no one’s saying anything to them — they’ll compliment people on something they admire about them. Saying something simple like, “I love the shade of green of your sweater” or “I love the decor of this party” can help them get into a conversation.
5. They reel in another person for help.
It can be difficult to deal with one-on-one conversations, especially if the other person is a stranger. A clever hack for introverts is to pull someone else into the conversation so they have someone else to bounce off and don’t feel so pressured. If they see their friend walking past, they can call them over to say hi. It’s a relief!
6. They find furry friends.
A superpower many introverts have is connecting with animals in the vicinity. They’ll scour the house for any cute cats or dogs that are hanging around. This instantly gives them a rush of endorphins and a chance to be busy with something instead of feeling awkward.
7. They head to the Chatty Cathys and Chads.
Every party has a resident chatterbox who likes to talk everyone’s ears off with their stories and achievements. Introverts have the skills to sniff out the talkative people and head over to them so they can let them speak their hearts out. This way, they can hang around and add in a few comments here and there but not have to carry a full convo alone.
8. They make fun of themselves.
Instead of taking things too seriously, some introverts will laugh at themselves. They might even be self-deprecating to take the pressure off and make other people laugh, which boosts their confidence. However, they know it’s a fine balance and don’t do it too much because it can start to make people think you have low self-esteem.
9. They fake a smile that looks legit.
Sometimes you’ve got to fake it ’til you make it, right? Introverts know this. Keeping a smile on their face makes them seem more approachable so people will come over to them and start chatting. It keeps them from being forced to sit in the corner or to have to take the nerve-wracking initiative of approaching other people.
10. They get to the party early.
While introverts might not always want to attend a party, if they can’t get out of it, they’ll try to get to there early. This prevents them from feeling out of their depth when everyone’s around. It also gives them a chance to feel out their surroundings and the general vibe before everyone else shows up.
11. They use mindfulness exercises.
Mindfulness can help one deal with anxiety because it’s grounding. Introverts know how to do mindfulness exercises in their heads, like by paying attention to what they see, hear, touch, smell, and taste in their surroundings to keep them firmly rooted in the moment. They can do these exercises at any time, even in the middle of a chat, if they feel their calmness slipping away.
12. They choose smaller groups.
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Large groups of people can be overwhelming, so introverts tend to stick with one or two other people to chat with. This makes it easier to navigate interactions and have rewarding conversations without becoming overwhelmed too quickly.
13. They notice people who need help.
Because introverts are so empathetic and tuned into their surroundings, they’re quick to pick up on anyone who’s struggling. If someone looks like they’re having a bad or awkward time, they’ll go over and say hi and see if they can do anything to help. Bonus points if they sniff out another introvert!
14. They offer to help the host.
Introverts often find it easier to help the host of a party with the cooking or the cleaning up than sitting and dealing with small talk. Getting up and doing something also helps them to work off their excess anxiety.
15. They focus on their curiosity to get through small talk.
If introverts find themselves stuck in small talk and they can’t get out of it, they’ll engage their innate curiosity. This helps them to become more interested in what people have to say and it allows for a deeper conversation to occur. So, they’ll be curious about what the other person is saying, as they’re always keen to learn something new. Phew, another social gathering done and dusted!
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