The smokey salmon and spicy arugula balances beautifully with the creamy avocado in these Smoked Salmon and Avocado Tacos. Let’s taco-bout today’s post: we’re bringing you 6 Creative Recipes for your Next Taco Party that will not disappoint, including these smoked salmon avocado tacos.

Since today we’re throwing a digital party of sorts, with the blogging babe squad (we’re not actually called that, I literally just made that up, but these ladies are all total babes) I thought it would be fun to talk about one of my favorite topics: trying to be social as an introvert.

It wasn’t until a couple years ago that I really understood the true distinction between introversion and extroversion. For a long time I thought it was synonymous with shy and outgoing but in reality it’s not that at all. Introversion and extroversion actually relates to where you get your energy from. For introverts, they feel recharged when they can be alone, while extroverts are energized by being around lots of people. That means you can have an outgoing introvert or a shy extrovert, because it’s all about how people get their energy, not the degree to which they embrace or shy away from communicating outwardly.

Anywho, introverts typically aren’t fans of being the center of attention, spending long hours among strangers or what most people think of as traditional networking. So with all of that, what’s a poor introvert to do when they’re trying to make new friends in a crazy social world

Over the past year-ish, I’ve been trying to tackle that problem head on with varying degrees of success and failure. Most times when I go to a large gathering my instinct is to find a solid corner and hope that someone I know walks in, but ever so slowly I’ve found one thing in particular has helped me actually enjoy the process of meeting new people. That thing is practicing being a good listener.

Whether you only kind of know someone, or have never seen them before, nothing takes away the awkward pressure of small talk like not thinking about yourself. Introverts are naturally curious and good listeners so you can use that skill set to hone in on finding something the other person loves to talk about.

My challenge to you, my fellow introverts (and extroverts can totally do this too), is next time you’re at a gathering where you have the opportunity to meet knew people, change your perspective from “this is going to be an awkward, tedious conversation” to “I can’t wait to learn about this person.” Taking the judgment of yourself out of the equation and focusing on having a connection with the other person feels a lot less awkward and way more rewarding at the end.

Obviously, it can be super challenging and I definitely don’t always rise to the challenge, but when I do, it feels so good to have connected with someone new. It also feels great to give someone a chance to talk about something they like and love to talk about.

Now it’s time to dig into these 6 Creative Recipes for your Next Taco Party, perfect for the next time you’re invited to a potluck.

Pineapple Cherry Margaritas from the Balanced Berry

Wash down those delicious tacos with a refreshing, fruity margarita. They only require a few ingredients and are easy to blend up for a crowd!

Honey Ginger Pork Tacos from the Almond Eater

These delicious Honey Ginger Pork Tacos are made in the slow cooker and topped with a simple pineapple salsa. A sweet and simple meal for your next taco night!

Easy Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos from Fit Mitten Kitchen

Fish tacos are a fresh, nutritious twist for taco night, and these Easy Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos are a reliable choice every time.

Braised Beef Short Rib Tacos from the Blissful Balance

Slow-cooked beef short ribs in an Asian-inspired marinade are a fun twist on a Mexican classic. Enjoy a unique marriage of textures in these simple, wholesome tacos.

Crispy Baked Avocado Tacos from rachLmansfield

A unique twist on two of your favorite foods, avocado and tacos, baked and crisped to perfection in these paleo-friendly tacos

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Your Turn:

• Are you an introvert?
• What’s your go-to ice breaker question at a party?

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