10 Festival Season Survival Tips for Introverts (Plus 3 Bonus Strategies)

2. Build exit plans before you arrive

A prepared exit is your invisible safety rope during crowded gatherings. Decide in advance how long you’ll stay and what will signal your need to leave. Choose a polite, culturally familiar script that fits your voice—try: "I’m so glad I could stop by, I’ll leave after the aarti," or "I have an early start tomorrow, so I’ll head out soon." If directness feels hard, agree a subtle signal with the host or a close cousin—a quick text, or a hand wave that means "time to go." Scout the venue on arrival to find the easiest exit route, and keep your ride options handy; having an Ola/Uber booked for a flexible pickup time removes lingering pressure. If you’re at a public festival, identify a quiet area to regroup and a landmark to meet the group before you leave. Leaving early is not rude when done with warmth and thanks. You protect your energy and demonstrate self-respect, which makes it easier to enjoy other parts of the season.