By Sade Smith Edited by Nikki Wong
I am notoriously introverted. Ask anyone. I’m the person who would much rather sit in my room and read a good book with my cat on my lap than go to a social event with many people. I am the person that secretly is relieved when plans are canceled. I am a person who has a small circle of close friends and who doesn’t say an enthusiastic “Hi!” to acquaintances I see on my college campus. I am an introvert. By definition, an introvert means “a shy, reticent person” according to Oxford Languages. Perhaps it’s my social anxiety, or that I have antisocial tendencies, but I have always been an introverted person. On a college campus where there are hundreds of people your age and constant social events occurring such as parties, socials, club meetings and classes, social interaction is actually crucial. For introverted people, social interaction can be quite difficult, but here are some tips that have helped me be more social as an introvert.
- Know That It’s Okay to be Introverted!
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Not everyone is an extrovert, and that is completely okay. People have different personalities, and you are perfect just the way you are. Being more on the shy side does not make you any less likable or kind than someone who is more on the talkative side. I know that many people say “fake it till’ you make it,” but that can be really difficult for introverts to do. You don’t have to pretend to be someone you are not. Be yourself!
- Think About Conversation Starters Beforehand
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Since many introverts are shy, starting a conversation and even holding a conversation is hard sometimes. We think, “Oh no, what do I say next? Do I seem awkward? Do they hate talking to me right now?” To avoid this internal monologue and awkward silence, think of some conversation starters beforehand. My sister is very extroverted, and she almost always starts a conversation by complimenting the other person, especially when it’s her first time meeting someone. For example, if you see an acquaintance at a party who you don’t really know, but you have sociology class together, compliment them! Say that you like their skirt! They will most likely tell you where they bought it from, and the conversation will snowball. Trust. It works for my extroverted sister every time. With this tip, you’ll be less anxious in starting conversations!
- Say “Yes” to Plans
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I know that it’s our first instinct to say “No” to plans or “I’ll check my calendar and let you know if I’m free.” However, make a rule for yourself to say “yes” to going out. You never know who you’ll meet at that party or how much fun you’ll have at that dinner out with your friends. Perhaps you meet a new best friend or a lover. You never know what could happen when you’re more open to social interaction.