All right, listen up! This isn’t a drill. Your extroverted friend has been begging and pleading to drag you out to the University of California, Riverside (UCR)’s party scene. Finally, after not giving up for two full quarters, they’ve worn you down. You agreed. You’ve signed the contract in blood and your friend has enforced the “no take-backs” rule. Don’t worry. As your resident introvert, I have three survival tools to ensure you make it out of the party alive, and maybe even have a little fun.
Tool #1: Go into it with zero expectations.
Parties can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been. However, the image you build in your head of the event is going to be very different from the reality. If it helps, treat the party like a detective mission. You only know conjecture and disconnected pieces of evidence. To make a final decision that will stand in court (your group of friends), you have to collect observational data.
Going in with preconceived biases could skew the data and lead to an inconclusive case. Allow yourself to be neutral about the concept of partying. At least until you have enough evidence to prove why you shouldn’t go again.
Tool #2: Find your nearest open space
When you get to the party, your first mission will be to find the largest open space. These events will have a lot of people who don’t necessarily have full control of their limbs or volume. Identifying these exits and spaces ensures you always have access to a space with airflow and without people touching you.
This allows you to recenter, breathe and regather. You can have fun dancing with your friends and still feel exhausted because there are too many people around you. Knowing how to make it back to the front of the house can make all the difference for enjoying a party.
Tool #3: Wear comfortable clothes
Party culture seems to have one idea of how people should dress. The thought of dressing in this style can be incredibly uncomfortable, especially when you’re already mentally preparing for the amount of people. Wear clothes that make you feel good and don’t hinder your ability to move. If you are focusing on how your outfit is resting, you won’t be able to enjoy yourself. When you feel good in your clothes, you will be able to stay in the present. You’ll also be the most prepared if you need to make a quick getaway.
As an introvert, stepping out of one’s comfort zone is healthy and good exposure therapy. However, if an event or a situation truly makes you uncomfortable to the point of a panic attack, it is okay to leave. This is especially important for the people-pleasers. You may think that you should just thug out the anxiety and exhaustion for the sake of your friends.Your friends would rather you feel safe and are having fun than attempting to stick it out. Parties can be incredibly enjoyable with good friends and better music. You’ve got this, fellow introvert. Go forth with this party survival guide and prosper!
