I saw the new Barbie movie recently with a partner, and I walked away feeling both empowered and conflicted.

On one hand, the film made me feel strong in my identity as a woman, as though I could be anything I wanted to be. On the other, I still found myself drawn to the stereotypical version of Barbie I had grown up with: tall, blonde, blue-eyed, fair-skinned, and conventionally “perfect.” That contradiction stayed with me.

Despite that tension, I encourage people to see the film. What it offers is very different from the promotional material that floods social media and fills store windows across major Australian clothing brands. For me, beyond the spectacle, the film sparked something more personal. It reminded me of the importance of showing up as myself, in my own way.

That realisation led me to reflect on what it means to be social on my own terms.

Finding Your Interest, Your Way

One of my interests, recently reignited, is Barbie.

I am not leaning into the hype by buying hot pink merchandise or heading to a large, high-energy themed party in the city. Instead, I am choosing something that suits me better: a small-scale trivia night with close friends, centred around a Barbie theme.

Liking something does not mean I have to participate in it the same way everyone else does. I can enjoy it in a way that feels authentic, comfortable, and genuinely fun for me.

Redefining Social Comfort

I have learned not to be afraid of going to the cinema alone or with just one other person.

There is no rule that says social experiences need to involve a group. In fact, I often enjoy things more with a single companion. It feels simpler, calmer, and easier to stay connected when I only have one person to keep track of, rather than navigating the energy and movement of a larger group.

Sometimes, less really is more.

Knowing What Works for You

Understanding yourself deeply is one of the most powerful tools you can have.

When you know what makes you feel calm, energised, inspired, or grounded, you can make choices that support those feelings. For me, that means choosing smaller events and more intimate gatherings over large, busy social settings.

I know I manage sensory input better in quiet, familiar spaces. A living room with a handful of people feels far more supportive than a crowded venue where it is easy to feel lost or overwhelmed.

Finding the Right Outlet to Express Yourself

If you feel the need to talk things through, to “info-dump,” or to deeply unpack your thoughts, that should not be something to feel ashamed of.

Expression simply needs the right time and place.

For me, that outlet was my podcast. I recorded an hour-long episode exploring my own thoughts and my partner’s reflections on the movie, our shared reactions, and the feelings the film stirred in both of us.

It gave me space to speak freely, reflect honestly, and process what the experience meant to me in a way that felt natural and fulfilling.

Being social does not have to look a certain way. It can be quiet, creative, focused, or deeply personal.

The important part is that it is yours.

By Suzanna Poredos
The A List Socialite