One of my favorite sayings is “your vibe attracts your tribe”, meaning that whatever energy you emit brings like minded people into your life experience. When that is the case social interaction is great, stimulating, and simple. The challenge comes when we are thrust into a social setting that doesn’t mesh quite as well with our own disposition and we are faced with a choice of how to respond to this unfamiliar terrain of society.

Growing up I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and I’m naturally a more artsy and introverted individual anyway, so I can completely relate with trying to figure out how to adapt to an uncomfortable setting of personalities in a place that I may rather try to escape; but escape sometimes isn’t an option!

Suppose you are at a gathering such as an elite party filled with socialites who seem to have Ph.D.’s shoulder rubbing and hobnobbing. The tendency may be to withdrawal with a feeling of inadequacy. Or perhaps you’re at a gathering of people who, in your opinion, behave more like school children instead of responsible adults; this may inspire within you feelings of superiority and judgment.

I believe the best thing to do in either situation is try your hardest to be yourself. Don’t try to pretend to be more “sophisticated” than you perceive yourself to be with the hobnobbers and don’t dumb yourself down or play it small when you’re surrounded by party animals. Just be yourself, emit your true authentic energy, and let your vibe attract your tribe.

Rather than trying to impress anyone at the social gathering, it’s more important to impress the person you’re going home with: You!