How to Socialize (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 10:50

You might think our parents can teach us how to socialize with our peers, but often they can't. For some of us it is very simple, but for others, it may feel like a fish losing water. Fortunately, it is an art that everyone can learn. Yes you too! Want to see it? See Step 1 below to get started.

Step

Part 1 of 3: Making It Easy

Step 1. Count your arrival

There are two types of arrivals at school: arriving early and arriving late. Let's dive into both and you can choose which tactic is more suitable for you:

Come early. You have the opportunity to talk to people before the groups separate, and this can give you more opportunities. There were also a few people, who weren't too intimidating. When more people come, you can approach people you already know.
Come late. Everyone's already there, meaning there's a conversation you can jump right into, and reduce the pressure. You can get mixed up in conversations easily and without realizing it. And you can choose which one is more interesting! You can talk or ask questions like: Hey! How are you? or What are you guys talking about?

Step 2. Initiate

Even the greatest extroverts sometimes have problems initiating. Creepy enough – we're all afraid of rejection. So sometimes you have to swallow the bullet. And know what you'll find? Most people are rude. You may not be very specialized, but it won't be any worse than holding yourself back.

How to initiate? Start with eye contact, smile, body language (we'll cover that next). Then the next thing is about how to make situational comments and get into them. Are the comments situational? Glad you asked

Step 3. Make situational comments

This type of comment is a comment where you know that you two have something in common. The bus is late, your boss is wearing a weird tie, the potato chip dip isn't that good. It only takes one small sentence to get the conversation going. When he gives you a response, smile at him, say your name and ask for his name. Conversation? Already initiated. Here is an example of two people who love coffee.

Jim: "I can't believe they're raising the price again – they better count some gold in my latte!"

Karen: "Ugh, I know. I also told myself to stop him but it didn't work."

Jim: " Ha, me too. By the way, my name is Jim."

Karen: "I'm Karen. What's your drink of choice, Jim?s"

Step 4. Start little by little. Take it in two ways:

a little comment and a little situation. the following means:

Start with a few comments-in other words, don't wait to make an overstatement to follow the flow of the conversation. If so, you'll be a quiet person who jumps into the conversation, and takes things to the next level that other people don't feel ready. Instead, say "I agree" "Absolutely," or with "I don't agree."
Start with small situations – like waiting in line at a cafe. If socializing is stressing you out, it's best done in a place where it will all end as quickly as possible. Think of the little opportunities you could take – talking to the cashier at the supermarket, the person you see on the street or at the bus stop, whoever is standing in line with you. 5 minutes and it will all be over, so it's no more scary than having to keep it up all day.

Step 5. Talk about yourself

Because if you don't, you will feel bored with your story. The reason other people have an interest in talking is because they are open about life and what they do. No need wow. Simple things like cooking, exercising, reading can lead to interesting conversations. Don't be afraid to show your character in conversation either. If you're silly, show it. Your behavior shows others how you feel about certain situations.

When someone says, “What did you do today?” You might respond with something like, “Sit at home.” It doesn't matter if that's the case, but you do more than that. When you open the internet, do you read anything interesting? Do you cook? Did you see anything interesting? How can you change this simple question?

You don't really have to answer it. You can respond with, “Oh my gosh, today the Olympics starts! Are you following him?” The conversation-boom starts with “no spotlight”. Other people won't notice it

Step 6. Stay abreast of news

A big part of conversations with strangers, acquaintances, even best friends is about the latest news and trends. This is a topic that at least a lot of people have heard of, so it's easier for conversation. So take 10 minutes every day to read the biggest news. Read a little about John Stewart, Tosh. O, the Bachelor, and check out the latest movies, read what books are trending on the New York Times list, or anything that can help you socially.

You don't have to have a really good opinion. Humans, in general, like to be asked questions and talk, so let them do it. When you find the smallest thing about them, find an opinion. They like sports? What do they think of the Biggest Loser contestants getting so skinny? They like pop music? Of course they have opinions about Miley Cyrus

Step 7. Don't judge people

If you are, you will never make an effort in social interactions. You will shut yourself down before they start, without giving you a chance. And the truth is that no one really looks like that. You can label people based on the clothes they wear or the comments they make, but you're wrong about a part of them. Instead, give them a chance to surprise you. You will learn something from it.

The more people you meet and get to know, the more colorful your life will be. You will have a lot of experience, learn new things, experience the world. People exist to make you richer; The more people you invite into your life, the better

Step 8. Put yourself out there

All of these points won't happen if you don't use them. You should take the opportunity to socialize. If you don't have a party invite, then sign up for a specific club. Take an academic class or a class at the gym. Work in a cafe. Meet people. That's the only way.

You never know what will lead you to bigger and better things. So when you're trying to get into a softball league, you're going to talk to your teammates. But later you will join team parties and use your social skills on a wider platform. So take a small chance now – you'll be a social butterfly in no time

Part 2 of 3: Making a Good First Impression

Step 1. Smile

Would you approach the person grumbling in the corner of the room? Probably not. If you are someone else to warm to you, a smile should be your top priority. This shows that you see them, you enjoy interacting with them. Everyone needs a little fun, and smile the way.

The best thing about smiling? You can do it from across the room. So if you stand in the corner, look at the room, and start observing. When you make eye contact with someone, don't look away too quickly. Instead, smile. Who knew the first steps were so easy?

Step 2. Show your body language

You are sad, it's time to move with your body. Always make sure your body language speaks – don't cross your arms and legs, your body should be pointing toward the other person. This is a sign that you are ready for a conversation and want to interact.

This means switching your phone too. Next time you're hanging out with strangers, fight the urge to plug in your headphones and play Angry Birds. It's impossible for you to meet new people if you're busy with your own world and what's in front of you

Step 3. If you're nervous about doing it, you're overdoing it

Other people are also busy thinking about what to talk about next and they are even starting to find out about what attracts you, so don't be nervous! If they talk to you, be polite, and stare at them. If not, you're kind of ignoring it. You didn't mean it like this did you, then don't.

The best advice is to stare at them when they are talking about something important – at least to them. If you comment or they comment too, let your gaze wander, but always return to theirs. You have to let them know that you care about what they have to say. You also want the same thing right?

Step 4. Be a good listener

Many people think socializing is about talking about the right things. Though that is only a small part. Once you start talking, you can even have a conversation without needing to talk about yourself. It's all about listening, asking the right questions, and showing interest in the other person. Where's the pressure?!

All you need to do is ask questions. Better something open, like “What do you do on a typical day with your job?” Then they will find something interesting, and keep the conversation going. Keep asking open-ended and related questions. Show enthusiasm on your face, tone of voice (even if you're bored) and they'll read the attention. Here's an example:
- Karen: "What do you usually do with your job, Jim?"
  
  Jim: "Well, the paper sales business isn't very interesting, but my boss makes it interesting. He's always going around and checking on us one by one, so I often pretend to pick up the phone even though I was playing Candy Crush at the time."
  
  Karen: "Seriously! That's terrible!.. But I also did the same thing. He never caught you while playing?!"

Step 5. Learn the name

Because people really soooooooo hear it. Listening to "How are you?" fine, but heard “How are you, Karen?” (… if your name is Karen, it's like that) it feels more personal. Enter a name whenever you can. This will help you to remember them too!

When you meet someone for the first time, it's twice as important. You can make someone feel that you are the only person in the world who mentions his name. When you know the name, say it. Put it into the conversation once or twice, and then make sure you say it at the end too. "Nice to meet you, Jim. Let's talk some more time!" sound more written. You are sure to leave a good and memorable first impression

Step 6. Read others

This has to do with observation – a skill that only reading this can do. Imagine yourself as Sherlock Holmes. What can you gather about a person without talking much to him? There are two things to consider:

What does his body language say? Are you tired? Suspect? Facing the door? Notice the lack of it? You can tell a lot from facial expressions and body position and where the other person is standing.
What can you like about their clothes? Watches, good shoes? Messy hair? Wedding ring? Stain? Headphones, coffee cups, piercings? Often times we don't notice. Use this to your advantage!

Step 7. Dress for the event

This is the last thing because it is important, but not the main. If Barack Obama walked into the party dressed as a clown, he would still be charismatic and well-liked, right? But if you meet a stranger for the first time, it's best to dress appropriately. It doesn't have to be really dapper, but it's worth it. Whatever it means to you.

The only thing that is certain between these conditions is to be a clean person. In some scenarios, a t-shirt and jeans will suffice; but on some other occasions, what is needed is a suit and tie. But wherever you are, most importantly, take a shower. You could be the next Einstein and no one will give you their time if you stink

Part 3 of 3: Relax Your Head

Step 1. Recognize that nervousness leads to awkwardness

Most of us are not good at socializing, because it feels weird. Awkwardness can get worse. You may feel a sense of awkwardness rising from the door behind you. But in reality, it's just your nervousness. If you can get rid of your nervousness, so can the clumsy race.

Yes, yes, knowing that the nervousness leading to awkwardness won't have any effect on you either. We all know the boy with the mustard sauce stain, and the girl who made hairspray into a thing. How could it be? Because they are relaxed. They didn't let it bother him. Just that.
How do you stop this thing bothering you? The trick: if you know very well something is bothering you, fix it. For example, if you're going for a job interview and your shirt is a little too short, wear a different shirt. Pulling on the shirt will only attract their attention (this is only in your mind), or in fact you will feel uncomfortable and nervous. If something happens spontaneously (like that mustard sauce spill), and you can't fix it, pretend it didn't happen. If you don't see it, touch it, rub it, or try to cover it up, the other person won't notice. They will only look at your face and hands when you speak and they will listen to you.

Step 2. Because you don't let it

have positive expectations. Ways to get rid of nervousness. If you have positive expectations, it will be harder to feel nervous. For example, when you get into a group of people who and you believe in yourself. They are great, you are great and all things will be great. When all of a sudden there's mustard sauce spilled on your pants, all right. Why? Because you don't let it make you nervous.

Life is more than just self-fulfillment. Studies show that those who think they will be more successful usually actually do. If you are in a good place, it will be easier for you to have positive conversations. And negative feelings are just an unimportant thing

Step 3. Enjoy yourself

Because happy and playful people are the types who easily attract other people. If you enjoy yourself, there's no reason other people won't like you. If you're already enjoying yourself (you're pretty big tall), this will definitely give you ammunition to fight off your insecurities in conversation.

While no one knows exactly how to do this, the easiest way is to do what you enjoy. The more you are happy with yourself then your life will be more developed, happier with you

Step 4. Know why you are in this phase

Either you are really hard to get along with or you really don't like socializing. Or you are just confused about what to talk about. Knowing why is the fastest way to get results. Here are some possibilities:

You really don't know how. If this is your problem, no problem. There are some standard patterns you can follow to work around this effectively.
You don't like small talk. I'm well! This is easy to overcome. You just need to have the ability to direct the conversation.
This stresses you out. For this, it is important to force yourself to relax. Luckily you have control over your body, so you can work on changing this.
You don't like crowds. For beginners, let's find something better! But as we work on it, we will focus on the good. It must be out there.

Step 5. Save your troubles while socializing

You know about yourself more than anyone else. When you know what can help you succeed in socializing, you can definitely deal with it. Let's look at 4 scenarios:

You don't know how. What you need to pay attention to are patterns and habits which we will talk about below. Practice this habit. You just need to practice.
You don't like small talk. You don't have to do things you don't want to do. In fact, many people don't like small talk. It's just that no one wants to control the conversation to make the topic deeper and meaningful. You have to do it.
If this bothers you. You have to concentrate on the body factor – take a deep breath, focus on the external, smile. This is good when you are alone and want to relax so you can fit into your comfort zone.
You don't like crowds. You just have to try it. This can be a real effort not to push people away because of the shoes they wear or their comments about food. This can be done.