How To Not Be Awkward At A Party: Our 7 Tips (2023)

Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson

Are you the type of someone that experiences awkwardness when attending a party?

Do you ever feel that everyone is staring at you and waiting for you to say something stupid?

Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people find social situations awkward, especially if they don’t know anyone there.

So, how can you avoid being awkward at a party? We will share tips on making yourself more comfortable at parties so you can have a good time.

Table of Contents

7 Tips On How To Feel Less Awkward At A Party

1. Make Yourself Look Approachable & Presentable

Making yourself look approachable and presentable can help you feel more confident when attending a party or social event.

The rule of thumb is to look confident, smile, and start small – talk about the food or drinks being served and what everyone did over the weekend.

Then progress by sparking interesting conversations; ask questions such as music preferences or hobbies to help break the clutter.

Engage in real-time with snippets of personal stories that can keep the spark going, making sure your body language is open and inviting.

Lastly, don’t forget to have fun. Let your guard down and find ways to help others – maybe even introduce people in the room with things in common.

2. Be In A Good Frame Of Mind

Being in good mind is important when trying to feel less awkward at a party [1]. Take some time before the event to prepare yourself mentally.

Remind yourself why you are going and that you will have a great time regardless of who is there.

Additionally, set a few achievable goals for the evening, such as introducing yourself to someone new or bringing up a conversation about something you’re passionate about.

Practicing small talk can also be very helpful in feeling more relaxed and confident.

Also Read: How Much Time Should You Spend At A Graduation Party?

3. Consider The Environment & Atmosphere

Being mindful of one’s surroundings can help determine if it is an environment suited to you and your needs, which will influence whether or not you’ll be able to relax and mingle more confidently.

Thinking about if the music volume is comfortable or if conversations are motivating rather than intimidating, for example, could indicate an atmosphere in which you may feel at ease.

Before attending any get-togethers in the future, consider the environment and atmosphere thoroughly — it might help ease the pre-party jitters and make you feel less awkward [2].

But what can you do to keep your guests warm at your outdoor party?

4. Think Of Topics To Start A Conversation

Starting conversations can be an intimidating task – especially at a party. If you are feeling shy, there are some easy tips to try to feel more comfortable and help make conversation easier.

The most important thing is to be passionate and curious – don’t just talk about yourself, but ask genuine questions of your peers and listen intently to their responses.

“Hear no evil, speak no evil, and you won’t be invited to cocktail parties.”
– Oscar Wilde, Irish Poet & Playwright

Get involved by bringing up topics that spark a debate or create discussions, such as current events or hobbies the people around you have in common.

Lastly, do not forget to engage with others through humor – finding common ground with jokes often helps lighten any tension and leads the conversation into deeper engagement.

5. Be Interested In The Person You’re Talking To

One of the best tips for feeling less awkward is to be genuinely interested in who you are talking to.

Ask questions, listen intently, and provide thoughtful feedback and opinions on their responses.

Once you start engaging in meaningful conversations, you’ll find it easier and much more enjoyable to mingle with those around you.

Listening is just as important as speaking, so remember that when conversing with someone–be sure to give them your full attention and make them feel truly heard at the party.

6. Pay Attention When Engaging In Group Discussions

It’s important to pay attention when engaging in group conversations, as more meaningful contributions tend to stand out and make the conversation flow more smoothly.

To feel less awkward in these situations, follow helpful tips such as speaking clearly, listening carefully, limiting any interruptions you might make, and asking thoughtful questions.

Additionally, it’s also important to keep your body language friendly by smiling, making occasional eye contact with others, and avoiding crossing your arms or slouching.

Also Read: 10 Things That Occur During A Bachelorette Party

7. Consider Your Alcohol Intake

If you’re planning on drinking at a party or event, it’s important to consider your alcohol intake and practice moderation.

You should get to know the drinks you like and set limits on how much you consume.

Also, stay hydrated to keep from drinking too quickly, and eating something is always a good idea before having a drink.

Having someone close by who knows what you’re drinking can often be the best form of insurance against overindulging, so invite a friend along or ask a bartender to look out for you.

Check out how much dry ice you’ll need for your next party here.

FAQs

Is it common to feel awkward at parties?

Yes, it’s common to feel awkward at parties. For some people, it’s the first time they’re meeting many new people, and they don’t know what to say.

For others, party etiquette can be confusing – like whether or not you’re supposed to bring a gift. And then there are always those people who don’t feel comfortable in social situations.

Should I attend a party if I’m not interested?

It depends on how you feel. If you don’t want to go, it’s probably not worth your time. But what should you say to someone if they’re not invited to your party?

How do you act when you don’t know anyone at a party?

The key is to act confidently. People will gravitate toward you if you give the impression that you enjoy yourself when you are not.

How do you stand alone at a party without looking awkward?

First, find a spot near the wall or in a corner where you can stand and not be in the way. Then, scan the room and find someone who looks friendly and approachable.

Smile and say hello, and if they seem interested, ask them what they’re drinking or what music is playing. By talking to someone, you’ll instantly make yourself less alone.

You might also be interested to read about ways to throw a foam party at home here.

In Summary

So there you have it, party-goers. These tips will help you avoid social awkwardness and have a great time.

Relax, be yourself, and don’t forget to mingle. And if all else fails, remember that everyone is in the same boat as you, so go with the flow.

Do you have any other suggestions for avoiding party awkwardness? We’d love to hear them in the comments below.

Reference:

https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/be-better-at-parties
https://www.healthline.com/health/socially-awkward

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Kimberlee Johnson

Kimberlee Johnson is a preschool teacher and a mom of 3. She puts a lot of thought into gift-buying and gift-giving as she believes that each gift should tell a story. She enjoys scrapbooking and watching the History Channel. Learn more about us here or you can email us [email protected].