The introvert's guide ΤΟ PARTY SEASON

Feeling shy? Save your sanity without sacrificing your social life.

- AMANDA KOHR

It's the most social time of the year! There are Secret Santas aplenty, your bestie's hosting her annual cookie swap, your crush is set to be at next weekend's Hanukkah hang and you just got an invite to your camp friend's New Year's soirée. Add family functions, the neighborhood gift exchange and the fact that every one of your after-school activities is hosting some sort of end-ofyear celebration, and you're feeling, well, completely overwhelmed.

If the thought of a busy social sched leaves you feeling slightly more freaked than fabulous, it's probably a sign that you are an introvert.

"Typically, introverts expend energy during social events while extroverts are energized by them," says social worker Laura Sgro. "That doesn't mean that introverts don't enjoy social interaction-they just process it differently." The good news? It *is* possible to have a blast at every bash while honoring your low-key lifestyle.

CHARGE YOUR SOCIAL BATTERY.

While lots of mixing and mingling gets draining for introverts, it's alone time that powers them back up. So when your calendar is more packed than usual, consider how exhausting that may feel, then plan ahead.

"Understand what helps you relax, whether it's watching your favorite TV show or going for a walk outside," recommends Sgro. Then, before and after big events, make sure you block out equally big moments of "me time" to do what centers you.