Navigating through social gatherings or group trips can be challenging for introverts and more challenging for neurodivergent people, and not everyone understands this struggle. However, making friends and meeting new people is essential. While feeling comfortable in a gathering is tough for introverts, there are strategies to help manage these occasions without feeling overwhelmed.
Here’s how to make friends as an introvert.
First of all, Who are the Introverts?
Introverts are people who concentrate on their inner thoughts and ideas rather than the outside world. In social aspects, they tend to be in a smaller group rather than socializing with many people. They love creating a space where they can be themselves.
A lot of people think introverts don’t make friends because they are shy and laid-back people. That’s not always the case. To make new friends, they rely on deep conversation because they gain energy from within.
Their counterparts, the extroverts, gain energy from interactions.
It’s Always Awkward
It’s not just you. Making new friends can be awkward at first, and that’s perfectly fine. Once you begin to connect more deeply with others, you’ll find those who share similar passions, ideas, and even personalities.
Start Small Conversations
Instead of trying to compete with others or become the center of attention at social gatherings, focus on smaller, more manageable interactions. Set achievable goals, such as initiating one-on-one conversations or joining small groups.
They said, “It takes one to know one.” As an introvert, you often recognise other fellow introverts. Use that to your advantage by starting a conversation with them. You can break the ice with light jokes that only introverts can understand.
Focus on Your Strength
In most cases, introverts and neurodivergent people excel at listening and paying attention. Use this skill to your advantage. Listen carefully and try to formulate thoughtful questions instead of the generic ones. This builds instant connections and trust.
Have Some Convo Starters
Maybe small and random conversations aren’t your thing, or you find conversations don’t come naturally at first. Try having go-to conversation starters that you can use to spark up a connection with someone.
You can use a note on your mobile phone and access it whenever necessary.
Search for Common Ground
After a bit of small talk or a day or two on a trip, you can start to find some shared interests that will help you deepen conversation and connections. This could be as simple as a love for the same animal, activity, or book you’ve both read.
You can also utilize your mutual connections. Allow your common friend to introduce you to other people at the gathering. Use your acquaintances as a bridge to form new friendships.
Respect Your Boundaries
Introverts often feel drained and exhausted in large crowds and during long social gatherings. It’s important to respect your boundaries when you need to recharge or spend time alone. Sometimes, taking a brief pause or spending just a few minutes alone can help you relax and better manage the rest of the event.
Maintain Positive Body Language
Smile and nod to show engagement. These cues can make others feel comfortable around you. You should also observe proper posture to maintain that confident look.
Authenticity also builds trust. Laugh only when you find the joke funny, or respond to questions when someone directly asks you.
Practice Social Skills
Being an introvert doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time alone at home. You can build friendships and connect with like-minded people by participating in events and organized trips.
At Travengers, our goal is to bring together neurodivergent people and create a space where they can be themselves. We organize events, create social groups, and plan both domestic and international trips. These activities help like-minded individuals practice their social skills and form connections at their own pace. Our trips and events feature a well-trained support guide who you can lean on.
Visit our TRIPS PAGE to see if there is something that suits your interests.
Allow Relationship to Build Naturally
Building friendships and connections with people you get along with takes time, and you need to exert effort and patience so the friendship prospers. Focus on quality over quantity, and trust that meaningful bonds will form gradually.
You can also build relationships and connections by joining groups with the same advocacy as yours. For example, if you are into animal welfare, you may want to volunteer at an animal shelter.
You are What You are
Making new friends and building connections, especially in a group setup, won’t require a transformation, but rather, strategic and genuine efforts. You don’t have to become the life of the party. All you have to do is be strategic and leverage your skills, interests, and empathy.