Posted by Glori Surban on Dec 2, 2012 | 0 comments

Introvert Guide | How to Survive Holiday Parties Unscathed

While the rest of the world rejoice when the holiday season comes, most introverts dread it.

Kind of.

Holiday festivities tend to be noisy and crowded events. You know, the kind that we stay away from all year.

We sometimes argue with ourselves if we’ll go to a party or not while trying to come up with excuses not to go.

But let’s face it.

It’s a great time to see families and friends – the perfect chance and excuse to reconnect and rediscover old relationships.

So for all my fellow introverts, here are a few ideas that can help you get through the holiday season, and it’s endless parties, unscathed.

1. Host your own!

Throwing your own holiday party may sound horrifying, but think about it.

You can control what goes own at your own place. And you’d even have a reason for not being able to have small talk because you’ll be busy preparing food and drinks and making sure everyone is having a good time.

Guests are considerate and wouldn’t bother you by descending upon you in groups. But this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a meaningful converstaion or two while you’re in the kitchen. In fact, this is probably the only palce you can have them.

2. Offer to help the host.

If you can’t thrown your own holiday party and going to one is inevitable, be helpful. Hosts are always thankful when you offer help. It may be passing around the drinks or setting the table.

You can even bring your camera with you and be the self-apponited photographer of the event. And for parties that have games you don’t want to participate in, volunteer to be the game master instead.

3. Take a break from the crowd.

As the party contiues, you may want to take a step back and get some alone time away from the crowd, even if you’re enjoying yourself. Take a walk, go to the porch or anywhere you can be be alone so you can take a breather.

Re-energize so you can enjoy the party longer.

4. Prepare an exit strategy before going to the party.

Remember that you can always just show up and say a quick hello and then disappear. Don’t feel guilty about doing this (unless you promised someone to be there for a longer time).

Avoid carpooling when going to parties with your partner or family. Driving in separate cars will make sure that you can leave the party early when the atmosphere begins to drain you.

5. Relax and re-enegize.

When you get home, pamper yourself with a well-deserved alone time. Enjoy a bubble bath, a long shower, or just go straight to bed and sleep. You may need to join a lot of holiday festivties but make sure to you still have time to rest.

This isn’t just for yourself but for the people around you as well. I’m pretty sure you won’t be able to enjoy yourself when you feel like crap from being too tired and they’ll feel your “negative enegry.”

Takeaway Tip: Smile and have a good time.

The quickest way to get overly enthusisatic merry makers (no matter how well-meaning they are) off your back is to show them you are having a good time. Let loose a bit and try to enjoy the party. Assure people that you’re actually happy to be there.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and although our idea of being jolly may not be what the rest of the world have in mind, let’s not forget what this holdiday season is about.