How to feel confident going to a party alone

Lots of my single clients agonise over the festive party season. “Should I go? I want to go but it’s just so difficult… I’m not going to go, I just can't do it…”

So how can you not only navigate the party season but also dare to believe you could actually have some fun?

One of my favourite quotes by Eleanor Roosevelt is:

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”

 Eleanor Roosevelt

Pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones and feeling the fear can be daunting but also liberating and freeing. So how can we take that first step into the unknown world of partying alone?

Do your research

Find out who will be there. Contact a few people who you know will be attending before the party and say you're looking forward to catching up. Your host can also make introductions on the night so speak to them beforehand to see how they can help.

Have things to say

Being prepared reduces stress so have a number of topics to discuss. You may even want to think of a few questions that can get the conversation started. From outfit chatter to a question or two about their hobbies - just go with something prepared. 

Be attentive

When we are nervous the art of listening seems to go out of the window. When we feel exposed it helps to turn our attention away from ourselves and onto the other partygoers. Listening can really help the conversation flow by enabling us to ask more questions. Taking note of your partygoers name and repeating it back to them is a fantastic way of creating more friendly conversations.

Knowing how to take your leave

It’s important that if you need to move groups that you know what to say without feeling uncomfortable. Perhaps use something like “it's been so great talking to you. I’m sure we will bump into each other later.” Just excusing yourself to go to the bathroom may lead them to wait for you and re-engage back into the previous conversation.

Embrace the fun of it

In short, hitting the party scene alone can be exciting and invigorating. You never know whom you may meet, what the night will bring and what new friendships are just around the corner.

If you would like to work on increasing confidence, reducing anxiety or just making some changes in your life then contact a coach today.