“I hate going to social events” 5 reasons & action steps

Have you recently said, “I hate going to social events”? Well, going to social events can be intimidating for some people, but there are many positive aspects of attending these events. From getting to know new people outside your circle, to enjoying delicious food, to making memories with friends. There are plenty of reasons to enjoy a night out! Social events can be a great way to break the monotony of everyday life and make some exciting memories.

So you’ve decided to go to a social event. Maybe it’s your boss’s annual holiday party or a company picnic. Whatever the reason, going to a social event can be hard for some people. Here are five reasons why and how to make it easier for yourself and to hopefully one day instead of saying, “I hate going to social events”. You’ll say, “I’m looking forward to going with you!”

1. You don’t know anyone and feel shy

Going to social events can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know anyone. However, with a bit of self-confidence and courage, it’s possible to break the ice and make friends. The key is to introduce yourself to people and be open to conversation. Doing this can help you build new connections and have a more enjoyable time at social events.

2. It’s crowded and too many people

For those who find social events overwhelming and crowded, there is hope in the form of smaller gatherings. By focusing on quality over quantity, you can still have meaningful conversations with your friends without feeling overwhelmed. By reducing the size of an event and taking time for each individual, you can make social events more bearable and even enjoyable.

3. You’re feeling self-conscious about your appearance

If you’re feeling self-conscious about your appearance at social events, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. You can cultivate it according to Harvard. Many people feel anxious or uncomfortable when attending social gatherings and this is totally normal. It’s also important to remember that other people are likely to be just as focused on themselves as you are, so don’t be too hard on yourself. With some practice and self-acceptance, it is possible to overcome the fear of going to social events and even enjoy them.

However, if you really don’t want to go to another social event, here are some ways to tell someone you don’t want to hang out. 

4. Everyone Is Talking About Their Jobs or Family Issues

This can be one of the main reason you say, “I hate going to social events”. Who wants to hear about boring jobs and family drama? It can be difficult to feel connected to others when attending social events, especially when conversations revolve around jobs and family issues. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For those who don’t want to talk about their jobs or family issues, it can be a great opportunity to listen and learn about the lives of others, and gain a new perspective. It’s nice to know that even if you’re not comfortable talking about your own life, you can still find value in the conversations around you.

5. You’re Not Having Fun and start to regret the decision

It can be an incredibly daunting experience to go to a social event, especially if you don’t know anyone. However, it can also be a fantastic way to meet new people and make lasting relationships. Even if you find yourself not having fun and regretting the decision, it’s important to remember that it’s only a temporary feeling and you may even benefit from the experience in the long run.

3 Action Tips: How to Make the Social Event Easier

Learn to manage social anxiety

If you’re saying, “I hate going to social events”, then you might have social anxiety. We know social events can be an intimidating experience, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategies, managing social anxiety can be a breeze. From using calming techniques to setting achievable goals for yourself, there are many ways to make social situations a positive experience. With a bit of effort and practice, you can learn to manage your social anxiety and make the most out of any social event. 

If you want to learn if you have social anxiety, take a free test here. In a few minutes, you’ll get results.

Go to the event with a few conversation starters

Going to social events can be intimidating, but having a few conversation starters in your arsenal can make the experience much more enjoyable. By having some topics of conversation on hand, it’s easier to break the ice with other attendees, making it easier to engage in meaningful conversations. Not only that, but it gives you the opportunity to get to know people better and build relationships with them.

Having a few conversation starters on hand can make the whole experience of going to social events much less daunting and more enjoyable. If you want a long list of conversation starters check out our FREE tool kit.

Find social events that you think you’d enjoy

Attending social events doesn’t have to be a dreaded activity. By doing some research, you can find events that match your interests and make you feel comfortable. Whether it’s a book club, trivia night, or a cooking class, there’s sure to be something that piques your interest and makes socializing a positive experience. With the right event, you’ll soon find yourself looking forward to the next gathering!

What you can do right now

Download our Tool Kit for free (mini-course, social blueprint, and more) to improve your social skills.

We think if you join our community or read a few more blog posts, you’ll start to understand why you say, “I hate going to social events”.

But, you’ll feel more confident, and prepared and you’ll know what to do next, especially, when it comes to socializing. It’s clear to see that although some people may not enjoy attending social events, they often prove to be great networking opportunities and a chance to meet new people. With the right attitude and mindset, social events can be an enjoyable experience and a great way to broaden your horizons.