By this point in your life, you probably have a set of best friends and your go to people to talk to, whether it's about school or life or gossip about "friends" you don't actually like. There's no need to make new ones, right? Especially if you're already settled down and got plenty of good people to talk to-it's so OBVIOUSLY a no-brainer. Even if there's someone you hear great things about or someone you think is cute, you're less likely to introduce yourself because you're worried about how they might think of you or a plethora of other reasons for not talking to them.
I disagree. There's a certain thrill to introducing yourself to someone you don't know but want to meet. They might be someone you'l hate but at the same time they could just become your favorite person. Especially at the college that I'm at, everyone is so different but so amazing at the same time. I'm friends with the food staff, the cleaners, my RA's, and a lot of the student body. It always feels amazing to ask someone how their day was even if yours isn't going the way you expected.
In my first month of college, I've met many people I want to talk to and be friends with. I'm just as shy as you are, fellow reader. Sometimes my jokes about my day don't work as intended and the people I'm trying to introduce myself to look at me like there's something wrong with me but that's their loss, because you know what? You're the most amazing person in the world. Change your attitude, and you can change the environment around you.
I went to a retreat exactly a week ago today and I received the best advice I've had since "If you have a grudge for more than 10 seconds, you're holding it for too long". The person who calmly said "If you want to be friends with someone, just talk to them. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain," acted like she was just didn't spit the most important truth of the year and that it was no big deal.
Friends are the most important aspect of life. Connections with people will not only give you some of the best memories of your life but if you're the type of person that likes to be focused only on money, friends can also one day offer you a job you didn't think you would ever get.
I'm just here for the ride, but it doesn't mean that the destination can't be changed.