If you're an introvert, attending a cocktail party is probably the last thing you want to do during the holidays.  But these types of gatherings are important for making and keeping friends, so don't skip them. Instead, make them work for you.

Why an Introvert Responds Differently to a Party Than an Extrovert

Extroverts generally love mingling and can be seen chatting with different people as they make their way around the room.

Introverts don't enjoy this type of communication, opting instead to talk with people one on one, without the distraction of a noisy (even if it's a cheerful, happy) environment.

It's more than just preference. A study from the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that visual stimulation (too many faces at a party, for example) overwhelms the introvert's brain. Introverts pay more attention to detail, and a party environment provides more for the brain to process than is comfortable.

An extrovert's brain is different. Extroverts are "more likely to associate the rush of a feel-good brain chemical with the environment they are in at the time."  So when they're at a party, the greater variety of people and conversations around them, the happier they feel.

Be One of the First to Arrive

Very often people arrive late to parties, so getting there on time means there will be less people there and you'll see them one by one as they arrive. This can help you find someone to chat with a little easier and will allow you to move around more comfortably than if you had to make your way through a crowd that was already engaged.

Don't Try to Be an Extrovert In Order to Survive a Party

Introverts may have been told over time to just "be more like the extroverts" in their life. But that isn't the answer to party survival. Instead, introverts need to take their strengths (one-on-one conversation, for example), and use that as a way to connect.

An introvert's tendency is to hang back along the edges of the room observing the conversations rather than participating. To make this work, watch for others who are doing the same thing. There's always one or two people who are alone briefly at a party, so approach them and use the main topics people are talking about as an ice breaker for conversation.

Or, get closer to the group so you can participate just by listening and being seen. Eventually, someone will turn to you and ask your opinion, and you can then respond to them one-on-one, even pulling them aside to talk if need be.

Embrace Small Talk

Introverts have a way of tuning out when another person chats about mundane things. While introverts generally don't like small talk, it's a good way to meet other people and find out what you both have in common. Rather than getting bored the minute someone brings up the weather, use it as a way to get to a "bigger" conversation topic.

For instance, ask the person more detail about the topic, like "I'm used to the snow because I've lived here my entire life. Are you from here?" or "I just heard it's supposed to be 70 today in Florida. That's one of my favorite vacation spots."

This little bit of detail can help you stay connected with the conversation and gets you closer to having a "real" conversation. Understand which topics are better for small talk and you'll be able to make party chatter closer to intellectual discussion.

Take a Mini-Recharge Break

A party can sap an introvert's energy, so be sure to take a small break before you feel exhausted. Go to a quiet space somewhere, whether it's a bathroom, your car, or just another room. Use this time as a way to just reconnect with your thoughts.

Even a few minutes away from the crowd can make you feel as if you're in control of your social situation, rather than being "forced" to attend the party. This change in mindset can make the experience more pleasant for you. Doing a five-minute meditation, for example, can help center yourself and clear your mind so you can go back and enjoy yourself.