Get there early. Many shy people “prefer to disappear in the crowd,” so they like to arrive late. But by making friends with a few strangers earlier in the night, “you will know people who can introduce you to others later.”
Walk up and say hi. No one is going to be offended if you promptly introduce yourself and ask their name. They may, however, be bothered by any period of “uncomfortable silence” while you gather the gumption. “People form an opinion of you in the first 10 seconds.” Be brave.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The Assassin: action-packed caper is 'terrific fun'The Week Recommends Keeley Hawes stars as a former hitwoman drawn out of retirement for 'one last job'
-
The EPA wants to green-light approval for a twice-banned herbicideUnder the radar Dicamba has been found to harm ecosystems
-
Crossword: July 30, 2025The Week's daily crossword
