It's that time of year again, when adults dress up as ghouls and goblins and play children's games like bobbing for apples at grown-up Halloween parties. If you suffer with social anxiety disorder (SAD), the thought of drawing attention to yourself with an outlandish costume might be scarier than any Halloween scene you could conjure up. If you have been invited to a Halloween party, or plan to get dressed up to hand out candies on Halloween night, here are five types of costumes that might mesh well with your social fears.
The Hide-Your-Face Costume
One great aspect of Halloween is that it is the one day of the year you can totally hide your face from view and no one will think twice. If you really aren't feeling like living on the edge this Halloween, choose a costume that allows you to hide a little; examples might include an animal or monster costume with a full head mask, or a Zorro costume where part of your face is obscured.
Just make sure that whatever face-covering costume you choose still allows you plenty of room to see and make eye contact with others during the night.
The Mute Costume
If you don't mind showing your face, but don't feel much up to making conversation during Halloween, consider a costume where playing the part of the character might include being quiet or mute. Costumes such as Edward Scissorhands or Charlie Chaplin allow you to be little quiet and eccentric for the evening without anyone questioning your behavior.
Remember though, if you feel the urge to break out of character and join in the conversation, Halloween is a great night to relax and let go of your social fears.
The Group Costume
Sometimes the best way to blend in during Halloween is to dress up as part of a pair or a group. Examples of pairs and group costumes include Batman and Robin, The Wizard of Oz, and The Flintstones.
Another advantage of dressing up as a pair or group is that it gives you a chance to connect with others and a reason to stick together during parties. Just make sure that your costume is obvious enough to stand on its own, or you might end up getting puzzled looks all night.
The Conversation-Starter Costume
If you are feeling a little bolder this Halloween, consider dressing in a costume that is an easy conversation starter. Examples of these types of costumes are those that are quirky such as a garbage can, unique costumes such as the dinosaur with a caged man, or obscure costumes such as a character from Dr. Who. Conversation-starter costumes are a great way to break the ice, make people laugh, and show your creativity and originality.
The Be-Someone-Your-Not Costume
If you really feel like breaking out of your shell this Halloween, try a costume that is in complete opposition to your usual personality. Examples might include superheroes, gypsies, french maids, and other daring costumes.
If you aren't sure whether you can pull off one of these more attention-getting costumes, remember that Halloween is one night where you get the chance to be someone else. Take the opportunity to play a different part for the night and try out a different personality. No one expects you to be yourself, so this is a chance to really take some risks and push your usual boundaries.
Sources:
Made Man. Conversation-Starting Halloween Costumes. Accessed October 29, 2011.
About.com Family Crafts. Group Costume Ideas. Accessed October 29, 2011.
