The life of a social butterfly is both exhilarating and demanding. You connect with different personalities, enjoy one party after another, and charm your way into people’s hearts. But being a people person also has its challenges. Can you imagine being busy 24/7? Here, learn to strike a balance so you can be your best sociable self but still have enough time for your needs.
What makes a social butterfly?
In an interview with Well+Good, social-personality psychologist and Michigan State University associate professor William Chopik defines a social butterfly as someone who’s socially skilled, extroverted, and well-liked by others.
Yes, they’re the life of the party and usually the class president and leader of the band. Here are the common personality traits of a social butterfly:
- You’re easily the most talkative in a group.
- You’re charming.
- You go with the flow.
- People miss you.
- You have multiple social circles.
- Meeting new people excites you.
How to thrive as a social butterfly
Some people are simply born with natural social skills. But for those who aren’t as lucky, all hope is not lost. In the book Shyness: A Bold New Approach, coauthor Bernardo Carducci emphasised that you can teach yourself to become a social butterfly. You just need to practice and get used to basking in the spotlight.
Here are some tips to help you unleash that potential. If you’re already there, consider these as reminders to continue thriving and socialising with more purpose.
- Develop a genuine interest in people.
- Find ways to make yourself interesting.
- Master the art of conversation.
- Have good social graces.
- Practise acts of kindness.
Self-care essentials for social butterflies
As the saying goes, you can never pour from an empty cup. So, if you want to find success as a social butterfly, you also need to carve out time for yourself and recharge. Turn to these self-care tips so you can conquer more busy days ahead.
1. Start your day with yourself.
Even with a full schedule ahead, start your day by dedicating quiet moments to yourself. You want to savour that peace before things get crazy! Create a cosy sanctuary where you can meditate, journal, or just be present. Practising self-care acts first thing in the morning can help you centre yourself and take on the day with more gusto.
2. Eat good, balanced meals.
Never underestimate the energy required to being a social butterfly. Eating wholesome meals gives you the much-required calories to talk and entertain and sets you in a positive mood. A Deakin University study by epidemiologist Felice Jacka revealed that those who eat fruit, vegetables, legumes, wholegrain cereals, nuts and seeds and foods with omega-3 have improved moods and social skills.
3. Don’t skip water.
Now that you’re eating balanced meals, you might as well remind yourself to drink more water. You can easily neglect your hydration levels when you’re busy socialising. Don’t forget to carry a water bottle to all events to keep your energy levels up and stay refreshed.
By the way, water can also keep your breath fresh. Perfect for conversations!
4. Invest in time management tools.
How does your weekly calendar look? It’s likely packed with meetings and events, leaving no room to breathe. Do you ever stop, stare, and wonder if you’ll get a moment to yourself?
To stay on top of your commitments, it’s wise to use a time management tool that syncs across all your devices. Online assistants can make socialising a no-brainer! Soon, you’ll be a picture of punctuality, avoiding all unnecessary blockers like chatting with anyone and everyone within a certain radius.
5. Don’t be a “yes person.”
You might be tempted to give an automatic yes to every invite that comes your way. After all, social butterflies can’t resist the idea of hanging out with their mates and meeting new people. But it’s important to be more intentional with your RSVPs and allow yourself the luxury of some rest and recreation.
Instead of jumping the gun, take some time to consider the invitation. Will the event add value to your life in a way that you need? If the answer is no, it’s okay to skip that event.
6. Take a break from social media.
In an era of perpetual notifications and constant connectivity, sometimes, you just need to tune out. While disconnecting can lead to major FOMO, scheduling regular screentime detox will allow you to focus on yourself. Start a book you’ve been meaning to read. Leave your phone behind, venture outside and live your life in the moment.
7. Practice mindful breathing or other relaxation exercises.
Even the most outgoing social butterfly can become overwhelmed. When you’re feeling tired or bombarded, step away from the situation for a few seconds. Do deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and centre yourself.
One basic breathing technique you can try is to put one hand on your belly and another on your chest. Breathe deeply with your nose, inhaling air till you fill your tummy. Breathe out slowly through your mouth. Do this around five times until you feel better.
8. Get your body moving.
Energise your social spirit by getting a move on. Exercise is beneficial for everyone, but it’s especially important for a social butterfly with higher energy levels. Don’t fancy a solo workout on the treadmill? Why not sign up for dance classes and make new friends? Or, if you prefer low-impact movement, have a group yoga session with your friends and see who’ll last the longest (without talking).
9. Have a pre-party primp session.
Whether you’re getting ready for a wedding or a night out, indulge in self-love rituals before heading out. Take a nice long bath and play your me-time playlist on full blast. Days before the event, treat yourself to a shopping spree so you can dress to impress. Why not call in your trusted friends and have them in on the fun?
10. Work on your self-improvement goals.
It’s never too late to pick up a new hobby, learn a foreign language, or improve the way you walk. In fact, these can help you succeed further as a social butterfly. You can even consider finding a mentor or going to therapy for better self-awareness. Identify areas of improvement and do what you need to do for yourself!
Dealing with bacne for too long? Block an entire afternoon and visit a dermatologist. Stuck with dry, frizzy hair? Consult a hair expert and try a new ‘do that works for you. Bothered by your overcrowded or crooked teeth? Say yes to a smile makeover with the help of ClearCorrect.
ClearCorrect dental aligners are a top-of-the-line straightening solution that combines cutting-edge technology to fix crowded teeth, diastema, misalignment, and more. It has two sturdy outer shells sandwiching an elastomeric core. This feature, along with the flat, scalloped trimline, gently but effectively pushes your teeth to get you that picture-perfect, confidence-boosting smile. It’s not the cheapest option, but remember – you’re doing this for you. It’s time you make yourself your priority. Start now with this smile assessment.
For a social butterfly, the concept of self-care may be a bit of a drag. But taking time for yourself is never in vain. Let your social battery dictate your pace; don’t judge yourself for wanting to slow down. Learn to say no! Only when you prioritise your needs can you be the best version of yourself and give more to others.
References:
Friendships start better with a smile. (2015, May 15). ScienceDaily.
Miller, K., & Miller, K. (2021, August 24). How To Know If You’re a Social Butterfly, According to Psychologists. Well+Good.
Shyness: A Bold New Approach. (n.d.). Google Books.
The International Academic Forum. (2023, June 30). Social Butterflies and Academic Achievement – The International Academic Forum (IAFOR).
