I consider myself a social person and I enjoy mingling with strangers at social gatherings. But I wasn’t always this way. I used to hide my face in a party, keep my chin down, and be too afraid to even strike a conversation with anyone.

How did I break out of my shell?

Gives You Practice

I realized that living in my own world was nice, but it wasn’t going to open any doors for me personally or professionally.  Building your network and having the right connections coupled with excellent work can lead to amazing opportunities falling into your lap.

Whether I wanted to build a professional network or make new friends or meet new men, there was no way it was going to happen if they didn’t know I existed.

And the only way to get better at being social was to practice it! So I started to mingle even though it was awkward in the beginning and soon I got the hang of it.

Able to Understand Human Behavior

My intention to start being more open and social was different, but I realized along the way, how I was able to understand and even predict to some extent human behavior.

My friends ask me often how did I know that guy or woman was going to react in that way. It’s because I have observed enough people and spoken with many that I have gotten a good handle over human behavior.

Able to Deal with Unexpected Situations in a Smoother Manner

Unexpected moments sometimes crop up. They can be incredibly embarrassing or awkward. For example: Some stranger once insulted me at a party for no good reason. I was startled. I didn’t react at the time, but I learned a huge lesson that not everyone would like me (with no valid reason even!) and how to behave the next time I encounter such a situation.

What are some benefits you found being social? Please share with me in the comments.