As someone who has an awkward time trying to strike up a conversation with someone I don't know, sometimes even with people I do know, parties are a nightmare for me and every other introvert in this world. I have absolutely no problem having conversations with people if there is a purpose to them, i.e. conversations that have depth and meaning. But small party chit-chat? Painful. These are just some of the struggles that us introverts face at parties.
1. It's a struggle for your friends to even convince you to go to a party in the first place.
They're, of course, always asking you to go out because you never do.
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2. Once you finally agree, you start to feel very anxious.
The anticipation of having to have interactions with other people is making you super uncomfortable.
3. When you finally get to the party, it is sensory overload.
There are so many people and interactions going on that you just don't even know what to do with yourself.
4. Some people come over and start talking to your friend, and you just stand there all awkward.
They obviously want you to say something, but you just can't find the words so you're left with this awkward expression and overall awkward appearance.
5. Then, the worst happens -- the person you don't know asks you a question.
6. And you respond with something really awkward sounding.
7. Or worse -- you don't reply at all.
Sometimes, words completely fail you, so you just respond with an awkward smile and nod to get through.
8. Then, the (other) worst thing happens -- your friends leave you to fend for yourself.
You have no idea who to talk to, or where to look. All you can do is stand there, silently freaking out.
9. You become that one person at the party standing alone, bathing in awkwardness.
10. Whenever someone random tries to talk to you, you give them a death glare.
You're not trying to be rude, you're simply trying to save people from having to bear witness to your inability to socialize.
11. Eventually, you find your way back to your people.
12. And you are able to get into a rhythm and have fun.
In the end, going out is never as bad as you think it will be. Sure it feels awkward for us to start conversations with new people, but I'm sure that others don't pick up on how awkward we feel as much as we think that they might. My advice to introverts: go out when you feel like. It is fun to party, but there's also nothing wrong with staying in and watching Netflix too.
