How to Pretend You're an Extrovert

Okay, I'm assuming that if you're reading this you're an introvert like me. This means people may perceive you as reserved, too quiet, unemotional, and even stuck up. In reality, you're most likely a deeply empathetic person, a crazy awesome critical thinker, and feel a certain unease around large groups of people. However, you live in an extroverted world. Extroversion is rewarded in this life and introversion is seen as a disadvantage. It's not true that introversion is some sort of flaw. Yet you have to learn how to navigate this world, even when annoying small talk and big parties make you want to run for cover. Here are some tips on how to pretend you're an extrovert:

1. Smile

...even when you don't feel like it. If you're like me, you have a big thing about authenticity. Why should I walk around pretending to feel something I don't? Well, you seem more approachable and sometimes you just have to B.S. stuff to get through the day.

2. Open body language

Don't go around with your arms folded across your chest and your head down. You might just be in deep thought, but you will look withdrawn and other people will be less likely to approach you.

3. Ask Questions

People like to talk about themselves. They will talk and talk and talk. You don't even have to contribute anything great-just ask questions about what they're talking about. Nod a lot and smile some more.

4. Touch

You know how on commercials you'll see some blonde with a dazzling smile throw her head back and laugh while lightly touching her companion's arm? That's a semi-intimate way of communicating you're an open person. You could also do the "touch shoulder" greeting (i.e. "Oh, hi, Mark!" "How are you doing?") Sounds corny, right? But depending on the person, it works.

5. Greetings

While we're on the subject, always greet people. This seems sort of obvious, but, if you're like me, sometimes you just forget or don't think it's that important. However, most people are big on verbal affirmation.

6. Listen. Remember.

Listen to what people say and try to remember some of it. Next time you see them, ask them "did such and such go well?" This will give the person the impression that you are concerned about them or at least that you find them somewhat interesting.