6 Tips To Help You Get Over Your Awkwardness At Social Gatherings

Being invited to a party can be exciting for some, but terrifying for others. Do social gatherings making you want to spin a fidget spinner? Does the thought of meeting new people make you want to dive under the covers and never come out? Well, guess what, you are not the only one. Even the most confident people get nervous when it comes to being interactive. Being intimidated by new people is normal, especially when you're expected to leave a good impression. It's time to stop being tongue-tied and let people discover your endearing side. Don't panic, take a deep breath, and use these tips to help you tide over.

Dress well

Pre-plan your outfit. See what you already have in your closet -- something that you're comfortable in and makes you feel like a million bucks. While new clothes are great, personally, I think it is better to go with a tried-and-tested favourite when the stakes are high. Keep the outfit ready a day before, so your mind is at ease and you can focus on who you want to interact with and what you want to say. Don't wear anything that makes you uncomfortable, no matter how good it looks. If half your mind is occupied with tugging your hemline or neckline into place, it's going to reflect in the conversation you're having. Instead of wearing tight spanx, which doesn't give you room to move in, wear something flowy (no, flowy doesn't mean sloppy).

Carry yourself with pride

Your body language is the single most important factor that affects how people perceive your personality, followed by how you speak and present yourself. Even if you're dressed in the world's most beautiful dress, slumped shoulders and a weak back will leave a far bigger impression. Notice how models manage to look fantastic no matter what they wear? It's their posture and carriage, not the clothes of their figure, alone that draws our eyes towards them. Stand erect and tall. Don't clutch your bag to your chest or cross your arms -- it shows an unwillingness to engage. If you know that you tend to cross your arms without realising it (a very common habit) trick your brain into avoiding it by carrying a glass around. You don't have to actually drink -- just holding a glass of still or sparkling water or juice can also do the trick!

Smile, please!

A smile is the most attractive thing you can wear, and it looks gorgeous on absolutely everybody. Smiling also makes you seem welcoming and trustworthy, both of which are qualities people look for while engaging with strangers. Besides, smiling can reduce your own stress level, and trick your brain into feeling happy even when you're feeling unsure.

Don't slink in a corner

While you don't have to stand in the centre of the room, keep moving around, picking different parts of the room, instead of relegating yourself to one corner. People who are shy or nervous tend to do that a lot, and it won't help with your confidence if you end up being invisible because you hid in a corner. If you're not feeling up to being in the thick of things, be on the side, but in a place where you can make eye contact with a fair number of people. Eye contact, coupled with a smile, will definitely help start at least a few conversations.

Phone in your pocket

Leave your phone in the bag and put it on silent mode. Force yourself to focus on the party and the people, instead of scrolling through social media feeds, to avoid conversations, or the moment you start getting bored. Not only will it make you engage with more people, you will end up giving their full, undivided attention, which is a great thing to be remembered for.

Know that you're not alone

And finally, no matter how unsure and nervous you're feeling, chances are, there are others who are feeling the same kind of awkwardness. Most people dread coming across as duds at parties, so friendly attempts at conversations are almost always welcomed by all. Don't worry, go ahead and introduce yourself with a smile.