It's time for our party crash course.

We 've got five steps planned for you, so pause and print this card,

and be sure to fill it out before your next party.

Are you back?

Okay, let's get started.

Step One : Plan your escape.

Okay, hey, calm down, we 're not saying that you 're necessarily even going to need it,

but just having a tailor-made excuse for leaving in your back pocket will keep your anxiety down.

It can be anything from... oh, sorry, I have another party that I 'm supposed to be at, to... oh, I'm really sorry, I got a migraine.

Step Two : Locate your on-deck circle.

All right, so when you walk into the party, the first thing you should do

is scan the surroundings for somewhere you can retreat to if things get a little too overwhelming.

Hey, this could be a balcony, a bedroom, a hallway, even the great outdoors.

Step Three : Give yourself a task.

Hey, if you're worried about not knowing what to do at a party,

help the host with whatever they need to get done.

Pick up cups, help pass out food, you know, anything.

Not only will this give you a set agenda for the night,

you 'll be able to socialize with a wide variety of people without being tied down to one long,

possibly incredibly awkward conversation.

Step Four : When in doubt, find other introverts.

Look for a small cluster of people and attach yourself to them.

Odds are you 'll have a lot more in common with them, and a lot more to talk about.

Step Five : Know when to give yourself a break.

If you're too overwhelmed or uncomfortable, use that out that 's waiting in your back pocket.

It's completely okay to leave the situation, especially if it 's not doing anything for you.

Also, be sure to plan some alone time the next day so you can recover.