8 Weird Rituals Introverts Secretly Have Before Attending Any Social Event

Social gatherings can be both exhilarating and exhausting, especially if you lean towards the introverted side of the spectrum.

You might look forward to seeing friends or making new connections, but there’s also that voice in your head asking if you can just stay home with a cozy blanket and a good book.

Today, I want to share some of the unusual (yet oddly common) rituals that many introverts—myself included—do before heading out to any social event.

You won’t typically see these rituals on display, but trust me, they’re more common than you might think. Let’s dive right in.

1. They perform a mental dress rehearsal

Ever catch yourself replaying possible social scenarios in your head? This often starts the moment the event invite arrives.

Introverts tend to mentally walk through interactions—who they might meet, what topics might come up, even how they’ll introduce themselves.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve found myself brushing my teeth while having a full-blown (imaginary) conversation with potential partygoers in my head.

It’s like running lines for a play you know you’ll star in for just a few hours.

The logic behind this is simple: if we’ve rehearsed our responses or small talk topics, we can avoid any awkward silences. As Dale Carnegie famously noted, “Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours.”

Introverts often use mental rehearsals to remind themselves to turn the focus onto others during conversations—helping them feel more prepared and less on the spot.

2. They schedule alone time as a pre-game

Introverts treat their energy like a bank account: each social interaction withdraws a little bit, so they need to make sure the balance is high before stepping into a social setting.

That’s why many of us sneak in some precious alone time.

This can look like sitting quietly with a cup of coffee, reading a chapter from a favorite book, or taking a contemplative walk around the neighborhood.

I personally like to sit in my favorite chair with headphones on, listening to a playlist that makes me feel calm and mentally prepared. It’s my way of topping up the mental fuel tank.

Research from psychologist suggests that quiet moments of solitude can help regulate stress hormones. The calmer you feel, the easier it is to handle the stimulating environment of a party or networking event.

3. They meticulously plan their escape routes

Sounds dramatic, I know. But there’s a certain comfort in having an exit strategy.

7 unique things emotionally intelligent people do when they’re being gaslit, according to psychology

Introverts like to know that if things get overwhelming, they can politely slip out without making a scene.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as driving your own car to the event so you can leave on your own schedule.

Other times, it’s mentally rehearsing an excuse like, “I need to feed my dog” or “I have an early morning tomorrow.”

I’ve mentioned this before but having a plan B or a firm cut-off time works like a security blanket for many introverts.

We hope we don’t have to use the exit plan, but just knowing it’s there lets us enjoy the gathering with less anxiety.

4. They wear their “comfort armor”

Picking out an outfit that makes you feel good can be a game-changer. It’s not always about making a bold fashion statement.

Sometimes, it’s about finding that perfect balance between looking presentable and feeling relaxed.

In my case, I have a favorite jacket I tend to wear to almost every social event in cooler weather.

It might be faded in certain spots, but it fits just right, making me feel simultaneously confident and inconspicuous.

Introverts often describe certain items of clothing as an “armor” that helps them tackle social situations.

When you’re comfortable physically, you can focus less on adjusting your outfit and more on being present—talking to people, engaging in conversations, or even just enjoying the music in the background.

5. They curate conversational cheat sheets

Have you ever Googled the event host beforehand or maybe scanned their social media to figure out what they’re into lately?

A lot of introverts prepare conversation starters or “safe topics” to avoid awkward pauses.

For instance, if I know the friend hosting the gathering just got back from a backpacking trip, I’ll brush up on travel stories or read about the area they visited.

The Dalai Lama Says People Who Are Truly Happy In Life Usually Practice These 8 Habits

When I show genuine interest in their experiences, it not only keeps the conversation flowing but also helps me dodge the dreaded small talk.

“As Greg McKeown says, ‘If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.’”

While McKeown is usually referring to essentialism and managing priorities, I’ve interpreted it in social settings to mean: if you’re not prepared with topics you’re genuinely curious about, you’ll end up in forced conversations that drain your energy.

Planning ahead ensures you steer interactions toward topics that feel meaningful or fun.

6. They engage in pre-event pep talks (in the mirror)

It might sound a bit corny, but a quick pep talk in front of the mirror can do wonders for your mindset.

You remind yourself you have what it takes to enjoy the event, that you’re a good listener, and that people do appreciate the quieter, thoughtful vibe you bring.

I used to brush this off as silly until I tried it. Now, I’ll look in the mirror, take a deep breath, and say something like, “Okay, you’ve got this. Just be yourself, ask questions, and try not to fade into the wallpaper.”

There’s actually some psychological backing to this. Self-affirmations have been studied by researchers for their ability to reduce stress and improve performance in anxiety-inducing scenarios.

You don’t have to shout it from the rooftops—just a gentle reminder to yourself that you’re fully capable of handling new faces and conversations can be surprisingly effective.

7. They power down (and then power up) their phones strategically

You’d think introverts might keep their phone handy to avoid eye contact in awkward moments—this is partially true. However, many introverts actually spend some time away from their devices right before the event.

One reason is to reduce external stimulation. We already know the party might be noisy and crowded, so the last thing we want is to be glued to our phone, bombarded with notifications.

Another reason is that scrolling social media can heighten anxiety if you stumble on events you’re missing or news that stresses you out.

But here’s the twist: once we’re at the party, we’ll often keep the phone accessible as a “social crutch.”

It’s a quick escape hatch for those overwhelming moments—pretend texting, checking emails, or even jotting notes in a to-do list app. Guilty as charged.

It’s funny, but sometimes having the phone as a security blanket means we won’t actually use it. Just knowing we can check out if needed (without physically leaving) can calm our nerves enough to stay present.

9 Subtle Traits of People Who Are Often Excluded in a Group of Friends

8. They look forward to the post-event ritual

Last but not least, many introverts mentally plan how they’ll decompress after the social interaction.

It’s like focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel, even if the tunnel itself ends up being fun.

That might mean blocking off some time to watch a favorite show or read a few pages from a good book, or even heading out for a late-night beach walk, which I personally love to do along the California coast.

It’s a way to reset and reflect on how the event went—what was enjoyable, who you connected with, and yes, maybe even what you might do differently next time.

As Tim Ferriss once said, “What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.” For introverts, social events can sometimes feel like stepping into the unknown.

But that anticipation of returning home, slipping into sweatpants, and reliving the highlights in your mind is incredibly rewarding.

Putting it all together

Whether you’re an introvert like me or just someone who needs a little extra prep time before mingling, these rituals can be oddly comforting.

They’re not just quirks; they’re strategies that help us navigate a world often built for extroverted dynamics.

Here, we’re all about finding ways to thrive in your daily life without compromising who you are.

If you see yourself in some of these habits, know that you’re not alone—and, in fact, you might be better prepared for social success than you think.

After all, a little pre-party reflection, a well-planned outfit, and the promise of post-event relaxation can be the keys to fully enjoying gatherings on your own terms.

So embrace your weird rituals—because sometimes, they’re exactly what make you shine when you finally step through those doors.