An Introvert's Social Survival Kit: 12 Ways to Maintain Grace & Manage Stress

An introvert's navigation kit with 12 strategies and skills to manage social stress with poise, dignity and grace - especially during the holiday season.

Note: Sure, I wrote this for holiday parties, but this applies year-round.

I’d write a cliche opening line about holiday stress but the Christmas flu deems the fluff unnecessary.

No matter how I say it, it’s a stressful time of year for us all.

Then they add parties?

Here are some methods, strategies and tools I use before, during and after holiday parties, socials and events.

Let’s start off small, shall we?

1. Just say “No!”

You are not obligated to attend every event to which you’re invited.

Be highly selective of how and with whom you spend your energy- especially on the most important days of the year. Set your standards.

Attend events with the ones you love - your family and friends.

Or whomever makes you feel the best.

Attending a company or work function is also in your best interest (see the boundaries section below).

Prioritize. Define a threshold or maximum number of events. How many events with how many people at what frequency works best for you?

Be willing to turn down inv…