11 Party Tips For Socially Awkward Girls

Parties can be intimidating, especially when you feel awkward socializing. If you don’t know anyone at a party and are worried about how you’ll come across, here are some tips for making friends:

“A good first step is to make people approach you so you don’t have to deal with the stress of approaching them. A good way to do this is to wear a shirt which advertises something you are interested in. Like nascar? Wear a nascar shirt. Like saving orphaned animals? Wear an SPCA shirt. Like Bruce Springsteen? Wear a Bruce Springsteen shirt. Doing this removes from you the burden of starting conversation. You can stand awkwardly in the corner of the room and wait for someone to approach you. You aren’t a tiger on the prowl for friends, you are a spider waiting for them to come to you. You are lost at sea and sending up a signal flare. Instead of talking to 30 people in your search for someone like you, you put a flag up so that people who are like you will be drawn to it.” — thewindyshrimp

“Food brings people together. Make something and bring it over. To meet new people, hang out by the food and/or alcohol. I have found this a really easy way to naturally start conversations with people I don’t know.” — fortuna_spins_you

“I read once, ‘it’s more important to be interested, than interesting.’ Everyone has a story and something you can learn from them, so ask questions and be genuine about it. I’ve also found some of the best opportunities come when you’re most vulnerable. Seconds standing alone may feel like hours, but that one additional second may be the one where someone comes up to you. And when it comes to confidence… fake it until you make it. You’re going to do great.” — snoopdodoubleg

“Things to bring up in conversation: Ask how long they have lived in the neighborhood. Ask where they lived before. Ask about places in the neighborhood that you should know about. This should get conversation flowing. Remember that everyone has to meet for the first time at some point.” — i_am_a_cyborg

“The host will probably welcome you and make introductions. People will ask you questions, you will find at least one person with whom you connect for at least casual conversation. Don’t pressure yourself to do or say anything, just try to relax and if at some point you still feel uncomfortable just go to the host and say ‘thank you so much for having me, I have to head out, but I had a nice time and see you soon!’ Then go home and be glad that you went. You might very well meet some new friends to have coffee or do activities with. It’s a good opportunity to meet new people, but it doesn’t have to be anything, so try to relax. The onus isn’t on you to do anything but show up and be polite.” — Apostolate_waitress

“Please don’t show up fashionably late! You know who shows up fashionably late? Most people! You know what that means? If you get there early (i.e. arrive right on time, your host might not appreciate if you get there earlier than the start time), there will be fewer people at the event. So, if you’re like me, you’ll have an easier time getting to know people when it’s a smaller and more manageable group. Once you get there, take the extra time to get to know the hosts, and the few people who might have also shown up right on time. Once the party gets into full swing, you’ll be comfortable with those people, and you’ll feel more confident talking with the guests who arrive later. There is another advantage to doing this, if you show up late, people will have settled into their little conversational groups. While no one will close you out of their group, you might feel more intimidated trying to break into an existing circle, especially if they’ve had a little while to get to know each other. If you get there on time, you can also offer to help set up for the host. This will also help keep your mind off the initial social anxiety and at the same time give you a chance to get to know the host better. Sorry if this is a bit rambly, but I hope it helps! Good luck!” — pizzaguy

“As someone with social anxiety, I find it helps to know that worst come to worst you can always just excuse yourself and up and leave and no harm done. You would still be proud for trying!” — aaaahhh

“Ask questions that get the other person talking. How long have you lived around here? Any good book stores in the neighborhood? If there is an interesting tree/bush/flower that is right outside, ask someone if they know the name of it. If you do like to read, ask someone to recommend a book. The trick is to get folks to do most of the talking until you feel a little more comfortable.” — monkeygirl2

“Always think of it like this: Have you ever seen someone do something a bit odd then basically immediately pass it off because you did something similar before? Think of that in the reversed manner. Don’t be worried that people will judge you harshly for your habits, because chances are they’re more forgiving than you. Be confident, be understanding, be open.” — minzart

“It’s a lot about your mindset: be prepared to get out of your comfort zone, and don’t care too much about disturbing someone or jumping into the conversation. The beginning is the most difficult. Once you have a conversation going with a bunch of people it’ll be really easy to start talking to other people as well. Also, try and look confident: confidence speaks more than anything. Always remember that the next person may be as hesitant to talk to you. See that pretty girl/guy? Go for it.” — carrotsplendour

“Just like any sport, game, or skill, you need practice. You have to gain experience, which means messing up. Get that out of the way. Put in the hours fucking up, and soon enough, you’ll figure out the rules of socializing. And nobody will remember when you didn’t. And if they do, it won’t matter because you’re not like that anymore.” — [deleted]