It's already been over a month since the new school year has started, but do you still feel uncomfortable around others? Are you an introvert and find it hard to make new friends? Then you came to the right place! Coming to America in 8th grade, I also had a hard time trying to make new friends. However, by remembering these tips, you will be able to gain friends and new relationships.
1. Do not be afraid of people!
To socialize and talk with people, the first thing you would have to do is not being afraid of new people! I thought that new people I met were different from me and got easily scared. However, most people out there are not that scary as you might think. They are just normal people like you are! Especially if you go to school, everyone is your age! Think of new people just like your family or close friends.
2. Initiate conversations!
One of the best ways to improve your social life is to create new relationships with people. You can do that by initiating conversations and getting to know their interest by sharing ideas and stories. You could ask someone how their day is going or what they plan on doing over the weekend. Start a conversation by asking their name or complimenting their outfit today. In school, you can easily start a conversation with other people during lunch time. If someone is sitting alone or in small groups, go over and ask them if you can sit with them. The answer will be YES! (I'm 99% sure..) It might seem awkward at first to go up to new people and start talking, but if you start sharing your interests on songs, drama, or sports, I am sure you will be able to find a common interest in no time and build a strong connection with them.
3. Listen to others!
As much as sharing your stories and talking about common interest is important, listening to other people is also important! No one likes someone that just talks on their own for hours and hours. So, it is important that you practice listening to others and relating to them. An easy way to show the other person that you are listening and paying attention to them is to make eye contact or nodding your head. When you do find something that relates to you, you can go on and add on your opinion and develop a deeper relationship with that person.
4. Love yourself!
This one might seem like an outcast on the list of tips of social life which involves interactions with others. However, this is probably the most important step and skill to have. This is to have confidence in yourself and love yourself! If you find yourself interesting and start loving yourself, others will also think that also because your attitude will show whether you have confidence in yourself or not. If you think you are not important or interesting - well first off you shouldn't because everyone is unique and special - you can start by finding something to compliment about yourself everyday. It might be weird to do that at first, but doing this for 3 months now, I gained a lot more confidence and courage to speak to others as well as myself.
It is not hard to make new friends and to become a "social" person! Don't be afraid and gain confidence!
