For most, socializing should be a fun and enjoyable activity. However, this could also be a source of anxiety and stress for some– even when you are already trying hard. So as an introvert how to be more social is even more challenging.
Let’s examine how to be more social around people.
In fact, there are a lot of individuals who are insecure, too shy, or embarrassed about themselves that they find it hard to deal with other people.
On the other hand, some are too busy with work, or school, that they don’t have the time to socialize at all.
It doesn’t matter what your story is, here are some tips that would help you socialize with other people, and make life more enjoyable.
This is also something that people who suffer from social anxiety can benefit from.
Be a Conversation Starter
If you’ve been recently introduced to someone, or you’re in a group of new faces, try your best to start a conversation with them. You could always start by saying hi, asking for their name, and complimenting them about something.
Chat Back to People
Have you ever tried having a conversation with someone, but that person was rude enough– that he blew you off by giving one-word answers. Naturally, you’d lose the drive, because it seems like he doesn’t want to talk to you.
Perhaps, this made you think that he’s very unfriendly, even though there’s probably a reason why he can’t entertain you.
What we’re trying to say is that you probably know what it feels like to have someone ignoring you. So, if someone is trying to chat with you, try your best to talk to that person, even when you’re busy.
Talk to People You Already Know
If you’ve come across someone that you already know, approach that person and find out what’s going on with him. Likewise, it’s important to keep in touch with friends whenever you can.
If your co-workers aren’t too busy, have some chit chat with them. Try to maintain your friendliness and make other people aware that you’re interested in what they have to say.
It’s never right to avoid someone that you know, just because you’re not in the mood to talk, or pretending that you didn’t notice them because you’re afraid that you couldn’t even maintain a conversation.
Invite People
If you can, be a little generous and invite people to do things with you. Instead of waiting for someone to invite you, be the one to do that instead.
Likewise, you don’t even have to know a person for a long time, just to invite him/her for lunch.
If you think that you two get along, why not ask that person to do something with you this coming weekend? If you like your new classmate or co-worker, ask them if they want to grab a drink, or watch a movie with you.
Also, if you’ve run into a friend downtown and neither of you is busy, then you could have lunch or dinner together.
Furthermore, if everyone in your workplace has a plan of going out on a Friday night, it would be nice to invite those who aren’t aware.
If you’re meeting some friends later that night, you could ask your new acquaintance if he wants to join you.
As much as possible, try to help those new people feel welcomed and included.
Go to Places Where There Are People
If you’re at work, and everyone is going out for lunch, join them. If they eat together at a particular place, don’t be afraid to go with them.
Likewise, if you’re at a party and everyone is hanging in a room, join them. It’s important to show that you want to spend some time with them, and you want to be a part of whatever they’re doing. Doing this you will discover how to be more social naturally and with practice.
Spend More Time with People
As much as possible, and whenever you’re not busy, try to spend some time with your friends. Also, if you usually see your friends and only spend a limited amount of time with them, try to spend half the day, next time.
On the other hand, if you rarely visit your friend, try to do it as often as you can– if they’re willing and not busy. If you drown yourself with work, take a break and enjoy the day with your co-workers.
Perform Nice Little Gestures
Be as thoughtful as you can be. When attending a party, try to bring some drinks or snacks even when nobody told you so.
Additionally, perform some basic courtesies, such as holding the doors for people or helping them carry their things.
Perhaps, you could buy someone a drink if you’re in a bar. Though, keep in mind that “less is more.”
What we’re trying to say is that, if you are too “nice” people might take you for granted or take advantage of you.
Also, this could make some people feel awkward because not all are used to free handouts.
Compliment Others
It’s never wrong to encourage or praise other people, especially if they deserve it. If someone is good at something, praise them.
If someone looks good, smells good, or well-dressed, make them feel that you appreciate their appearance.
Likewise, if you think someone is funny or entertaining, compliment them. Though, moderation is also important. You don’t want to sound like you don’t mean the things you said.
Smile
No doubt, most people would want to be with someone who has a positive view of life. Thus, even when you don’t feel happy, try your best to put a smile on your face now and then. It is easy to see how to be more social when you relax and smiling uses less facial muscles than frowning.
Aside from making you feel better, it’ll also make other people attracted to you and would want to get to know you better. As they say, “smile and the world will laugh with you.”
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Part of the reason why we isolate ourselves is that we compare our flaws with other people’s assets.
Apparently, if you’ll focus on your negative qualities while seeing the positive qualities of others, you’ll feel depressed about yourself.
Remember, behind closed doors, each one of us experiences pain and suffering from time to time, and no matter how happy that person may look like, you don’t know what he’s going through.
Instead of feeling bad about yourself, use this as a motivation to look good and have a positive view on life.
These are just some of the ways on how to be more social. Though, to see the results, it’s important that you put these recommendations into practice.
It’s the proper action that separates the anti-socials from the sociable ones. It’s your choice if you want to be the latter or the former.
