Focus on socializing with the people around you.Socializing as an introvert can be difficult if you’re just starting out. It might even be tempting to check your phone when feeling nervous or overwhelmed by a crowd. But if you have your head down with your eyes focused on the screen it can also make you seem closed off and disinterested in meeting new people. Try setting your phone on silent and keeping it in a pocket or purse to avoid temptation. This helps you stay fully engaged with the people around you and gives you the opportunity to branch out and introduce yourself to someone new.^[1]

• If you’re still tempted to check your phone, leave it in your vehicle or ask a friend to hold it.
• At first, you might feel a little uncomfortable leaving your phone behind. We’re all used to checking everything from social media to sports scores every few minutes. But once you start to relax and enjoy conversations with others, you’ll probably forget about checking out what’s happening online.
• Reader Poll: We asked 2324 wikiHow readers to tell us what would make them most anxious, and 56% said socializing. [Take Poll] If you’re a person who experiences social anxiety—you’re not alone. A lot of people feel just like you do!