How to Meet No One
Introverts, rejoice! Finally there is a graphic novel that sees us and our daily struggle to avoid being a person in the world! How to Meet 
No One: An Introvert’s Guide to Surviving a World Filled with People by Ainsley Drew shares tips through playful humor about how to live your best introverted life. Drew started posting her art on Instagram under the handle @lousydrawingsforgoodpeople in 2020, with her signature rounded people and animals, sporting small eyes and wide smiles, usually accompanied by a frank phrase or joke. This book is an extension of that work and readers familiar with her Instagram will find themselves at home here.
Readers follow an unnamed purple cat-shaped character as they move through their day in an exhausting world full of people. From going to work, the awkwardness of ordering coffee, to finding oneself in a cramped elevator, the reader receives tips and insights about how to avoid interacting with any of the individuals someone might encounter during the daily grind. We follow this little purple person as they employ tactics that help them fulfill their ultimate goal of being left alone in their own comfortable home. And, for readers that live with family or roommates, there are survival tips for them too.
As an introvert myself, the wit and authenticity had me laughing out loud. The art is simple, colorful, and has a silly cuteness to it that makes it a pleasure to experience. There are little details on many of the pages that enhance a gag or make the world feel alive. For example, there are sometimes faces on inanimate objects that react to the scene around them, literally making the world alive. I appreciated references to sensory sensitivities, like a declaration for no overhead lights and a love for cancelled plans. And while our purple hero does lots of hiding and running away from others, there are some hilarious ideas for surviving when you actually have to leave the house.
One of my favorite things about How to Meet No One is the positive messaging about being an introvert. Drew explains in her introduction and conclusion that the reader is not alone or strange for not wanting to socialize the way society has prescribed. She encourages readers to take care of their needs and seek professional help if their situation calls for it. There’s even some very practical tips for managing social anxiety when out in the world, and maybe the best piece of advice is that it’s okay to say no. Within this short story introverts will see themselves and know they are not alone.
How to Meet No One is a fantastic comic for any introverted, sensory sensitive, neurodivergent, or socially anxious reader looking for a sanctuary where they will feel seen. Both teens and adults will find it relatable and entertaining. This title might even be great for extroverts trying to peek into the minds of their introverted loved ones. I honestly wanted this book to be longer and I look forward to what comes next from this author.
How to Meet No One An Introvert’s Guide to Surviving a World Filled with People
By Ainsley Drew
Union Square & Co., 2025
ISBN: 9781454958260
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16)
