Not all Easter bunnies like to put on their bonnets and join the Easter parade! Some 10% of us are introverts, and holidays can be stressful — the family get-together for Easter, then those spring outings at work — here come the golf tournaments, softball games, picnics, and if you live in San Antonio, TX, Fiesta time! What’s a shy bunny to do?
1. Pacing yourself is very important. People energize extroverts, and de-energize introverts. Allow time alone to recharge your batteries.
2. Don’t accept every party invitation. This is good advice for everyone, and especially for you! Prepare ahead of time for those you do attend. Sometimes it’s helpful to workout just before going to a social gathering, or to take a nap. Whatever works for you.
3. For the office outings, volunteer for some task that can be done alone. Volunteering to be the scorekeeper for the company softball game can get you through. You get to visit with everyone, but then they’ll be moving on to play or sit in the stands and cheer while you have “work” to do.
4. At “command performances,” get there early and greet everyone. Then you can wander! Also make it a point to say “great picnic isn’t it?” and “best gold tournament we’ve ever had!” and smile, lest people get concerned you aren’t ‘having a good time,’ and then you get more attention!
5. Learn to be the official photographer at get-togethers! Or assign yourself as the music-meister for the big family dinner. You can busy yourself endlessly changing CDs if you work it right, have beautiful music and maybe even have some great conversations with other music lovers.
6. Understand your social energy levels, and plan accordingly, i.e., leave before you get tired, not after. When you get home, take a nice bubble bath or something and restore your quietude.
7. Turn it down, turn it off. You don’t have to make the sunrise service, then brunch at Aunt Tilly’s, then lunch at your dad’s, then dinner at your other dad’s. Many introverts prefer outdoor gatherings — more room to wander!
8. Focus on the parts you enjoy, and leave the rest to others. Be proactive and channel things your way. If you’d like to celebrate with someone and/or feel obligated to celebrate with someone, or know an invitation’s coming, jump the gun. Invite them to a faith celebration, or back to your house for a cookout — late Sunday afternoon works well, because everyone has to be at work Monday morning.
9. Establish your own traditions regarding the holidays. Take a week off and go to the Florida Keys. Catch one of the cheap cruises being offered now.
10. If you have multiple family obligations, set the tradition that it’s one year here, one year there. It’s stressful for anyone to run from house to house to house, and definitely not for you.
11. Respect your boundaries. Often other people are drawn to introverts because of their calm and quiet ways. It’s up to you whether you want to interact or not and you’ll probably enjoy it more if you choose whom you spend your time with rather than vice versa.
Susan Dunn, MA, Marketing Coach,
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