Are your conversation points constantly failing? Tired of being a nobody at the hottest parties? Here are 9 surefire ways to become the life of the party!
You just got invited to the biggest party of the year! Congratulations! What does it matter, though, when you’re the person who always sits in the corner, silent and brooding over all the people who seem to have it together? Have no fear, you can still become the life of the party.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably mentally cursed everyone who is the life of every party they attend. People just seem to flock to them without a second thought. They get the most attention and are always talked about—even weeks after the event has concluded.
How to become the life of the party: And be memorable!
This thought has crossed my mind time and time again. I always concluded I just couldn’t be compelling. Apparently, there’s a type of person who just has “it,” and I wasn’t one of them. But, of course, this theory was incorrect.
As a result, I did a lot of thinking, problem solving, self-reflecting, and even found the courage to ask a few people how they do it. [Read: How to overcome shyness – 16 tips to transform your life]
This is what I’ve discovered, anyone can be the life of the party, with just a few easy steps.
#1 Get social! If you really want to be noticed by people, then just go talk to them. The best way to become the life of the party is to make sure people know you’re there in the first place.
Go up to some random people, join in their conversation, and introduce yourself. This is a great way to meet people and make new friends. You’ll also never have to be stuck in a corner by yourself, daydreaming about the hottie across the room that you know you’ll never have a chance with. You’ll be talking to the hottie! [Read: Drawing a blank? Try these 25 conversation starters]
#2 Make friends with the host. Not only is this basically an automatic in to any other parties they throw or know of, you’ll gain all the perks it offers. This means they know everyone at the party, and if you’re hanging around with them, they introduce you to everyone they talk to.
Score one for the painfully shy! It’s a lot easier to introduce yourself to one person and have them do the rest of the work, then it is to bashfully approach a group of strangers and attempt to penetrate their invisible—yet somehow immovable—wall.
#3 Be drink savvy. Everyone’s favorite person at the party is the one who knows how to make the best drinks. I know they’re my favorite people—for obvious reasons.
Being knowledgeable about how to make certain drinks ensures people like you. It’s also a great way to meet new people if you’re shy. Word travels fast at parties and people come up to you and ask you to make them drinks. [Read: Party hours: What your favorite drink says about you]
#4 Bring out your inner dance diva. I know they’re in there. Bring them out! Hit the dance floor like you do when you’re boogying around your kitchen, waiting for that frozen pizza to cook. You may not be Channing Tatum from “Step Up,” but I know you can get down.
Even if you’re a bad dancer, people get a kick out of the fact you look hilarious when dancing, and you’re not afraid to show it! If you’re a good dancer, people want to dance with you.
Being the one to hit the dance floor is also a great way to make people feel comfortable and become the life of the party. Some people may be shy and silently begging someone else in the room to break the ice first. You can be that person! [Read: How to be funny and make people love your company]
#5 Be the music guru. Ask the host to help DJ the party. Everyone wants to be friends with the DJ, so their favorite music gets played. It’s also helpful to figure out the music genre most of the people like at the party and keep that groove going. Everyone appreciates the person who keeps the tunes rolling.
#6 Bring treats. I’m not just talking brownies or cookies—although those are great options—I mean Jell-O shots, pudding shots, and other special drinks. Not only will this get you noticed immediately, but people will be coming up to you all night. Especially after a few of those shots, telling you how delicious they were and how awesome you are.
Even after the party, people will be talking about how you brought great snacks to the event. It’s almost a guarantee people want you at the next party, too!
#7 Be cautious of your alcohol intake. You can’t be the life of the party if you’re lying lifeless on the sofa with a penis drawn on your forehead. Nobody will even know you were there if you end up falling asleep somewhere around the house.
People don’t appreciate a sloppy drunk, either. You may be talked about after the party is over, but not in a good way. Stumbling around, falling on people, and hollering obscenities is no way to act.
Avoid making a fool of yourself. A good rule to follow is to have one glass of water for every two drinks you have. This always helps me, because I tend to drink the water a lot slower than the fruity mixers—giving me more time between drinks. It also helps me realize just how much I’ve drunk thus far. [Read: Social anxiety to social butterfly: How to be less awkward]
#8 Dress to impress. That’s what you’re there to do, right? Impress? Then you’ve got to dress like it. Don’t show up in torn up jeans and an old faded t-shirt—unless the party calls for it, that is.
If it’s a casual party, grab some nice jeans, throw on a simple top and have at it. If you’re headed to a cocktail party or a fancier event, put some effort into it. And don’t even think about not dressing up if there’s a theme. You had better be the best mermaid out there if it’s an under the sea theme—even you, guys!
#9 Just be yourself. Sounds easy enough, but you’d be surprised how many parties I go to where my friends act ridiculously insane compared to how they normally act. It’s just for attention, but it usually attracts the wrong kind of attention. [Read: How to stop overthinking: 11 strategies for more peace]
Just act like yourself. Most of the time, people know when you’re not being genuine, and it’s off-putting. Being yourself and acting naturally opens people up. Bonus, they get to know you better.
You’ll also have way more fun being yourself rather than putting on a charade you’ll then have to keep up the rest of the night—and beyond. Of course, you should ditch this tip if it’s a costume party and pretend to be a ninja turtle for a night.
[Read: 8 ways to stop being boring and annoying around people]
Just like that, you’ve uncovered the secrets to becoming the life of the party. Now go out there, have some fun, and try out these tips. You never know what could happen!
