Every introvert (and the occasional extrovert) finds themselves at a party they agreed to go to that they soon realize will be an uphill social battle. Generally there is someone you don't want to disappoint so you can't just leave, you need to prepare yourself in order to trek through this party. Hopefully this list will equip you with the tactics to exist in a space you completely don't want to be in.
1. Find the food.
You're going to need to be fed to keep up your energy, both physically and mentally. Plus, you're here you might as well take advantage of it. When it comes to social walk around the party grounds, everyone visits the food, however, they don't linger and will either only small talk or not talk at all because they'll be preoccupied by the food. If you think that you can handle occasional small talk then this is the strategy for you; and if you don't like talking just time it right by putting food in your mouth when people walk by.
2. Sit in sight, but out of the way.
Plant yourself here and never leave. Being out of the way, people will come to you, it's only natural. But they will be in a place where they can see everyone else and they will eventually feel awkward and go back to the place where the 'real party' exists. If there are like minded people, they will flock to you and you can all sit on your phones and not talk together. You are pioneering the spot of anti social party goers. Good for you.
3. Find the local pet.
The friend that never talks. This precious animal will unknowingly aid you in creating the illusion that you are in fact social and having a good time. As a plus, if you come to this house often you'll be able to work your way into this animal's memory and hopefully they'll actually like you rather than just be polite friendly like the precious angels they are.
4. Text someone.
I myself am not one for texting unless it's for a purpose. But a great thing to do at a party when you need to occupy your time is to just start a conversation with a friend. If they're hesitant, tell them they have to because of your situation. If they don't understand, they aren't emotionally intelligent enough to understand and you should dump them sorry.
5. Lose your memory.
It's bound to happen at some point, so it might as well happen now. People will be uncomfortable when talking to you since the two of you currently have nothing in common. Will yourself to lose your memory and keep it going for as long as you can mentally handle.
6. Take over the kitchen.
Do you have any cooking or baking ability whatsoever? Act like you own the place and make something - anything! People will assume you were asked to do this. You have purpose, you don't have time to talk to people. What you do with this food doesn't even matter. As tip number one clearly stated there is already food at this made up party; so you can do what you will. Throw it away, take it home, give it to the neighbors or even throw it.
7. Become the local animal.
Remember the animal in tip number three? Become that animal. You'll be able to connect with that animal more than you've ever been able to before. If it turns out the animal is a bad friend like the one in tip four, just replace the animal. No one will notice in the height of the party, I promise.
8. Burn down the house.
As long as no one survives you'll never have to deal with this again; and for a hot minute you'll be the life of the party.
