Survival Supplies For Introverts (Cause Its Not The End Of The World)
There are some items that can come in especially useful for introverts to survival public outings. I’ve put together a list of seven things I rely on.
7 Things Introverts Need for Survival
Phone
Just about everyone has a smartphone these days. Most of us use our phones to scroll social media, watch videos, stream shows, are read. For introverts, phones are a tool to distract us from a chaotic setting or avoid people.
Book
It doesn’t matter if it is an eBook or a good old-fashioned hardcover, I always have a book with me. It fills time while I wait and let other people see that I don’t want to be engaged in conversation.
Headphones
Sometimes I wear headphones or earbuds that aren’t connected to a device. I have no shame! They enable me to give a visual sign that I’m already listening to something, so you’d best not bother me. But they also allow me to eavesdrop without detection. This little trick lets me enjoy other’s drama at a safe distance.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun, they also provide some privacy. Sunglasses disguise your eyes so you can look where you want to or give a sideways glance without anyone being the wiser. I don’t recommend wearing them inside unless you want to look like an eccentric celebrity.
Money
Always have cash and or a credit card on hand gives you options. For instance, if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation and want to leave, having money allows you to call for an Uber or hop on the train. Having money on hand makes it easier to pop into a store or coffee shop to get out of a social situation that you’re done with.
Partner in Crime
Having a co-worker, spouse, friend, or parent that knows how you truly feel about social gathers can make all the difference. This partner in crime can help you by physically being there or by being that person who calls to save you from an awkward date. My dog is sometimes my partner in crime. The dog has learned to pick up on my energy through the leash. The dog seems to know when I’m ready to get out of a conversation and gets antsy, giving me the perfect opportunity to say I need to get going.
Exit Strategy
This one can tie into using your partner in crime, but a partner isn’t necessary. I always locate the doors and even the windows in some settings. I want to know where I can go to get away. In a gathering, spot the people you know around the room. So, when you tire of one conversation you can excuse to go say hello to someone else.
If you’re attending an event with others who will likely want to stay longer than yourself, plan ahead and drive separately.
Showing up is one third the battle.
Another third is staying and interacting. The last third is leaving. Figure out the exit strategy before you even get to where you’re going. This way when the experience becomes too much and you’re unable to think clearly, you’ll already have a plan to get the hell out of there.
With the holidays approaching and more pressure to interact I hope these tips will help to protect your time and sense of peace.
What would you add to this list?
