Do we even know how to socialize anymore?

Science tells us we all tend to be more self-conscious than necessary in new social situations. For many, the thought of returning to "normal" is anxiety-inducing. — Grace Heejung Kim for NPR

Zoom meetings. Virtual happy hours. Facetime dates. We've been living in a pandemic world for over a year now, and for better or worse, many of us are used to our new social routines.

But as vaccinations ramp up and restrictions begin to loosen across the country, the new question is: Are we ready? After so much time apart, do we even know how to socialize in person anymore?

We haven't returned to "normal" yet, but it feels like things are beginning to shift: We can almost hear the backyard barbecues; the cubicle-to-cubicle chatter; those awkward, horrible, adorable first date conversations over candlelit dinner. For many, just the thought is anxiety-inducing.

Celeste Headlee, journalist, author of “We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter,” and all-around conversational wiz, says those feelings of trepidation are only natural.

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"Social skills are, after all, skills," Headlee says, so it makes sense to feel rusty when they've been out of use.

But, she reminds us, humans were built to socialize. "You have 300,000 years of evolution helping you do this and helping you do it better than any species on the planet."

Read on for Headlee's answers to your social woes, and top tips for getting back out there.

Embrace the awkward.

A Life Kit-branded quote card that reads: "What makes me most stressed is going back to the office and having that first 'water cooler' chat. ... I can just hear the 'Long time no see!' jokes spewing." — Michelle Kincaid — NPR

If you've been working remotely and you're worried about how to approach that first conversation back at the office, chances are you're not the only one feeling it — science tells us we all tend to be more self-conscious than necessary in new social situations. Headlee suggests addressing the elephant in the room right away.

"Be honest about it," Headlee says, because "sometimes when you name something, it takes away its power." Acknowledging the awkward with something as simple as, "So this is weird, right?" can clear the air and get everyone moving forward.

When in doubt: Ask questions, start small.

Asking open-ended questions, Headlee says, works on a few different levels: It takes pressure off you while simultaneously giving the other person room to shine and feel some of that conversation-fueled dopamine.

And, added bonus, questions give you the opportunity to work on another important social skill — listening! Start small, and in safe, time-limited spaces if you're worried about how you'll do: Maybe practice with a friend or try a brief elevator exchange. And remember, good conversations take time.

Know your limits. It's OK if they've changed.

A Life Kit-branded quote card that reads: "I'm anxious over the potential loss of the new-found flexibility in work and life. One of the silver linings of the pandemic was the relief of not having to feel anxious over a declined invitation or expectation to get together because we knew that wasn't an option." — Danielle Abramson — NPR

We all have a finite amount of social energy. And it's important to acknowledge, Headlee says, that the pandemic might have changed that barometer.

"We have been under such a cognitive load over the past year or so that there just may not be the space for two things in one day," she says.

It's also possible the pandemic just revealed the real limits of your social capacity. "Two years ago, you may have just not been aware of how exhausted you were," Headlee says.

But even if you feel ready to jump back into the world with both feet, don't try to take on too much at once. The world's a changed place, and you've probably changed a bit, too. Set realistic boundaries, and pace yourself: that might mean setting a max number of activities for a weekend, having social "off-hours" or limiting how long houseguests can stay. Draw lines that serve you.

Accept what people tell you about themselves.

A Life Kit-branded quote card that reads: "I am NOT ready to hang out, to the extent that I've hidden my vaccination status (vaccinated!) from friends to avoid having to do things with them." — Aubrey MacKenzie — NPR

"I believe" is a fact, Headlee says, while "you believe," is an opinion — in other words, don't assume someone else's point of view, especially when it comes to vaccinations and socializing.

Now more than ever, safety is going to look different for different people, and it's important to respect the boundaries people create for themselves.

For you, going mask-free indoors post-vaccination might be freeing and joyful, but for your neighbor, it could be panic-inducing. Ask ahead of time if you're unsure about mixed social situations. Don't impose your level of comfort on anyone else, and be honest (or opt out) if you feel unsafe — even when that might feel extra hard when friends and family are ready to spread hugs all around.

While the pandemic has been a source of friction between a lot of people, Headlee maintains our current moment is a great opportunity for unity. "In the end, the past year has been hard for all of us," she says. "And if nothing else, that gives us common ground to find some kind of empathy for each other."

The podcast version of this episode was produced by Clare Marie Schneider. Neil Tevault provided engineering support.

We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823 or email us at LifeKit@npr.org.

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