In an era where practically everyone, from the corporate employee to the cashier at the bus station, is tied up to their computers, the term “social” gets a completely new meaning. To be more precise, while the internet provides us with multiple ways to meet and interact with new people, having profiles on most social networks does not automatically make you a sociable person. The truth is that humankind is nowadays lacking that honest, quality, face-to-face interactions.
Perhaps this is why the common phrase “you should go out more often!” has become a motto we all hear on a daily basis. Granted, going for a short walk in the park or having a beer at the local pub could quality as getting out more. However, this action implies more than a physical activity, namely that you should go out more often AND meet new people. Following is a list of tips that could help you become more friendly and social.
1. Make time to chat with people you already know
More often than not, when people see a person they haven’t spoken to for a while they instinctually try to avoid him or pretend they didn’t see him because they fear the conversation will be stilted very soon. However, if your goal is to become more social, then the correct approach would be to go there and catch up with what they have been doing lately. In addition, if a coworker you like has the time then don’t hold back from exchanging a few words when he is not too busy.
2. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people
Mostly because of the fear of rejections, people nowadays are very hesitant to reach out to people they genuinely enjoy, but do expect others to do this for them. Frankly, if you are going to wait around for the right person to come and ask you to be best buddies, then you are clueless about what friendship means.
3. Be yourself
Trying to make friend by posing as something you are not is a sure way to create problems in any type of relationship. Irrespective of how well you thought out your scenario, keep in mind that no lie can remain hidden forever and when the truth comes out, you could lose everything. Besides, faking how you are will only get you closer to people who don’t really share similar interest with you.
4. Smile more
Did you know that smiling is the most contagious gesture a person could make? According to studies, smiling when you see another person is enough to activate the muscles in his face and make the same expression. In addition, this warm gesture sends a message to both your brain and his that you are happy and content.
5. Show interest in people
Without denying that we live in a cruel world where you need to be a little selfish, you cannot be too self-center or egotistical. The idea of friendship is that this is a relationship based on mutual understanding and respecting. In addition, at one point or another you will have to prove yourself as a friend and sacrifice something for the other person’s sake. Furthermore, respect in this case means that you should show an active interest in what others are saying, being a good listener and consulting the other person when the decision concerns you both.
6. Don’t see yourself as superior or inferior to other people
People love to see confidence in others, so if you want to make new friends then you should leave your ego or inferiority complex home before you walk out the door. In general, while an excessive ego and constant bragging about your social or economic will annoy people, the lack of self-confidence and self-worth is a surefire way to miss out on a plethora of opportunities.
7. Stop saying “no” to events and parties
Because the best way to meet new people who share your interests and hobbies is by going to various parties and event, perhaps it’s time you stop rejecting this type of invitations. Regardless of whether you are invited to a social cause meeting, a poetry fest or a party hosted by a mutual friend or acquaintance, there is a high chance you will find a lot of people there you will surely enjoy talking to and even become friends.
8. It’s the little things that count
In the event that you haven’t gone out much lately, finally accepting an invitation to a party could be a stressful experience, especially since you want to do your best and impress. First off, you should relax and stop overthinking the numerous things that could go wrong and the countless – on a side note, improbable – ways you can embarrass yourself. Secondly, you could consider bringing some food or drinks if it’s unexpected of you to do so. Just remember to avoid being TOO nice because you will put people in awkward positions.
9. Become the kind of person people enjoy talking to
Throughout the day you meet a lot of people, regardless of whether it is the trip to work or shopping at the local supermarket or mall to whom you exchange a few words. However, from the entire bunch people will only tend to remember the ones they had fun to talk to, even if it was a short chat. Therefore, learning how to add humor and wit in the way you talk could make those persons you meet more interested in you because after all, everyone enjoys being around smart and funny people.
10. Don’t be pushy or intrusive
While you could be very excited about your new friends, it is never a good idea to start digging into their personal life. To put it simply, a person who constantly pesters you about your middle name, relationship status, the origins of a certain scar, so on and so forth is perceived as nosy, plain annoying and will be avoided. The correct approach in this case implies leaving your new friend his space and be a good listener if they want to reveal personal information at some points in life.
Leave a Reply