11 tips for introverts who are already freaking out about holiday party season

Most introverts gain energy from being alone, while extroverts tend to thrive while socializing in large groups of people.

Unfortunately for the former category, who comprise around a third to one half of the population, holiday party season is coming up. That means huge crowds of unfamiliar folks, a lot of mingling, and probably not the sort of in-depth, one-on-one chats that introverts tend to enjoy.

Still, introverts can survive holiday parties aplenty — and they might even enjoy them.

Here's your survival guide:

Show up

Show up BusinessInsider

You might be tempted to skip. Don't do it.

Think of it as a fun challenge — not the bane of your week

Think of it as a fun challenge — not the bane of your week BusinessInsider

"Anything that doesn't come naturally to you, you can pull off temporarily if you apply your other strengths to solving the problem," told Business Insider. "For example, someone who has a love of learning, can learn some conversation skills. If you're a naturally helpful person maybe you apply that skill by helping out the host. If you love children, maybe you entertain the kids at the party. Use whatever strengths you have."

Brainstorm some conversation topics

Brainstorm some conversation topics BusinessInsider

Before the party, think up a few icebreaker lines to keep in your back pocket — like asking folks if they're local, a quip about the food, or their hobbies.

"This is something people can easily test to see if they find it helpful or not," Boyes said. "Sometimes people find it helpful to briefly think about potential conversation topics, as long as it doesn't lead to being rigid or overtalking about a topic other people aren't as intensely interested in."

You might even plan to talk to a senior manager or another person you're interested in building a connection with, said

Set a 'networking goal'

'I'm 21 years sober now' BusinessInsider

Go with someone

Go with someone BusinessInsider

Wickre recommended getting together a group of your coworkers to meet before the party.

Or, you can go with one extroverted coworker who can help you break the ice once you get to the bash.

But don’t get too bogged down in planning ahead

But don’t get too bogged down in planning ahead BusinessInsider

It's definitely possible to overplan, experts said.

"

Try not to be too self-conscious

Try not to be too self-conscious BusinessInsider

Some introverts or shy people might focus too much on themselves and how they're being perceived. Change your mindset, Boyes said, to focus on other people and what they're about, rather than making your goal for the evening "charming everyone around you."

"Try a goal, like to make people you interact with feel good about themselves through your interaction," Boyes said. "

Play to your strengths

Play to your strengths BusinessInsider

Introverts are known for being particularly insightful and noticing trends and behaviors that others might not pick up on. Use those ideas to your advantage.

"

Don't get too drunk as a way to get over social anxieties

Don't get too drunk as a way to get over social anxieties BusinessInsider

As Business Insider previously reported, getting drunk might seem like a good way to loosen up. But you don't want to get so loose that you, for example, tell your office nemesis just what you think of them.

It's better to a bit little stiff than to ruin your entire reputation at a company.

Ask lots of questions

''Don't tell Bruce ...'' BusinessInsider

If you're not a naturally verbose person, that's actually good news. People usually just enjoy talking about themselves — and you can charm them if you just keep asking them questions.

"This is a great time to deploy your quiet confidence, and go on a quest to learn more about people, given your ... inquisitive personality," Taylor said. "Ask open-ended questions as you chat with people, so the conversation flows, and isn't a ping-pong match."

Understand that you're not the only introvert

Understand that you're not the only introvert BusinessInsider

Remember, introverts make up a third to a half of the population. You're not going to be the only partier who would rather get away from the noise and have a subdued, one-on-one conversation.

"Others are shy, too," Taylor said. "You are far from being the only introvert at the holiday party. That should give you some solace as you try to engage in conversation."

11 tips for introverts who are already freaking out about holiday party season

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