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Introverts

How to socialize for introverts

By Tami McDonaldPublished 5 years ago 5 min read
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I'm too shy!

How do introverts that are anxious and shy become social to meet people outside of online dating?

Introverts are one of those people that manufacture excuses as why not to accept a date or just go out in public venues, and give happiness a try. If this sounds like you then you are probably classified as an introvert just like me.

Don’t get me wrong, online dating is a good way to get out and socialize to meet new people. But it’s just a one-time thing that you do with just one person, usually of the opposite sex.

If you’re lucky, you may get a second or third date then form a relationship. But if you’re like me most of the time I end up just with first dates and no seconds or thirds.

Then it’s off to a different person. Dating can be so sporadic. I never know when I’m going to get another date. So, I just end up at home alone doing my own thing like the typical introvert that I am.

But what if you are tired of all of that and want to meet multitudes of diverse people to get outside of your introverted box, but you’re shy and have no idea how to go about doing it?

Getting out and being social with both sexes, not just the opposite, are some other ways.

If this gives you anxiety just thinking about it, well you just have to make a decision… do you want to be alone forever or take a chance and be brave?

One day I decided to put my social anxiety aside and get over it.

Just chillin' with Netflix alone again...

Being tired of doing the same old thing week after week was getting old. You know, get up, go to work, come home five days a week. Then the weekend comes along and you just end up staying home like a typical introvert with nothing to do but munch out and watch Netflix. Boring!

I was fed up and no longer made excuses for not going to places and meeting new people.

Yes, I had to force myself, but I did it and I’m so much happier now.

I told myself I was not going to stay home and I was not going to make any more excuses. I was going to think outside the box on how to meet people. Once I found some ideas all it took was a few steps out the door and I was on my way.

I decided to be brave and forced myself to get out and try things solo and actually engage with people.

I was just looking to be social not expecting anything to happen or come out of it. This helped reduce my anxiety. If you don’t end up finding ‘the one’ at least you can make some new friends along the way.

Another barrier to being an introvert was worrying about whether or not people liked me.

I turned that around to worrying about whether I would like them. Flipping that thought around gives it a whole new perspective and also helped to reduce my shyness.

Calling all introverts… I can give you some ideas that may help you.

See which ones resonate with you then try one. Again, it’s up to you to make the final decision and the move that could change your social life forever.

Tip 1: Go to the library and join a book club

This actually was one of the first things I thought of. I figured it was a quiet venue and I could join a small book club of introverted people just like me to have a common interest.

Besides, if I got nervous I had a book in front of me to hold and look at.

Sort of like a crutch or a shield to hide behind. I enjoyed it! Once I started going a few times I got to know some people and we now talk on a regular basis.

Tip 2: Go to the dog park

Got a dog?

Why not take Rover out to a dog park instead of just walking him outside your house. At least there, you already have something in common with everyone… dogs.

Let's play

It helped me to get out of my introverted comfort zone and socialize more with others and talk about our dogs. Plus, I really liked looking at and watching them play. It made me happy and stress free.

Tip 3: Learn golf

If this sounds boring to you then think again. Learning a sport does force you to speak to new people and ask questions about it.

Plus, a big benefit I found with golfing is that you find a lot of good looking men into it as well. So you learn a new sport, socialize, and can meet good looking men. That’s a win-win-win in my book!

Tip 4: Meetup App

Have you tried Meetup?

It’s an app you download and you select your interests and join groups of like-minded people.

You can search for singles groups by age and/or by activities. For example, if you are into hiking you can join a group that takes hikes together.

There are also foodies, people into art, wine tasting or meditation. Just about anything! You get to pick and join the group of your choice. It’s totally free as well.

I joined a group based on my age and went to a Memorial Day picnic they put together. Had a good time socializing, eating great homemade dishes everyone brought and playing cornhole. It made me feel great and not feel so much like an introvert anymore.

If that causes panic then maybe you can start your own introvert meetup group in your area where you get to be the host.

There are probably thousands of us introverts out there thinking and feeling the same way as you do.

If there was an introvert group catered to that, I would feel more comfortable going. I would feel better knowing that I’m not going to be the only one who is awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, it would make a great conversation starter!

Start out small like maybe just two or three people in your social group.

Don’t know how to start your own introvert group?

Just sign up on the Meetup app, create a profile, press the New Group button then name your group with a description on who should join and what they will get out of joining, easy.

I truly hope this helped you out and made you think of some options that you can use to get out of your introvert shell.

So get out there and socialize. Don’t let another boring day go by!

GO FORTH… GO FEARLESS

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About the Creator

Tami McDonald

She is a free-spirited single mom, insurance professional, coffee connoisseur, dating enthusiast, and undercover blogger.

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