Breaking down the walls of your shame is not easy. But if you are able to do it, actually there are very many benefits that you will get. Interested in learning how? First of all, make sure you show a friendly attitude so that people don't hesitate to approach you. After that, build your confidence! If you have managed to make friends, keep those friendships by always behaving positively with them.
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Method 1 of 3: Show a Friendly Attitude
Step 1. Smile at others
Smiling is the most important thing you can do to display a friendly and friendly image. When you meet someone else's eye (or when you're spoken to), smile. Show him that you're happy to interact with him, even if you don't know what to say.
- Of course, you don't have to smile all the time because it will look unnatural and scare other people away. Just practice making fun and friendly expressions whenever possible.
- No need to wait for someone else to smile first. Don't be afraid to make brief eye contact with other people and show your friendliness.
Step 2. Say "hello"
Don't hesitate to say hello to the person you want to make friends with. If you don't really know him yet, introduce yourself and ask him his name. Talking to people you don't really know can feel weird; but believe me, most people will not mind serving your invitation to communicate.
- Bring up the topic of conversation about simple things, like the weather that day, the class you're in, your favorite sport, or other "safe" topics. That way, you can gauge their interest before engaging in more intense conversations.
- For example, you could ask, "What did you think of yesterday's assignment?" or “I love the cool weather today! You too, don't you?"
Step 3. Give praise
Saying a nice compliment is always a great way to break the ice with the people you want to be friends with. If you don't know what to say, try praising someone's contribution to a class discussion, the beauty of their handwriting, or the way they dress.
For example, try complimenting your seatmate by saying, “Hey, your pencil case is great, you know. Where to buy?"
Step 4. Ask questions about other people's lives
One of the most powerful ways to make friends with other people is to show your interest in their lives. Show your interest by asking genuine questions about their favorite hobbies, family, and studies; however, make sure you do it without breaking his personal boundaries, okay! Another advantage, you don't have to talk too much if you throw the communication ball at them, right?
Try asking your classmates, “What books do you like reading?” or “Do you have a brother or sister?”
Step 5. Practice your communication skills
Nowadays, meeting new people does sound scary. However, the more often you do it, the easier the situation will be for you. Therefore, try to set a goal to talk to one new person every week or every day. As your social circle expands, so will your opportunities for positive interactions with others; As a result, your nervousness will be significantly reduced!
- Try joining extracurricular groups that match your interests to practice your communication skills with more people.
- If you feel uncomfortable when you have to practice with strangers, try practicing with the help of a relative or friend. Pretend they are strangers, and try to help interact with them. The more you practice, the less nervous you will be.
Method 2 of 3: Building Confidence
Step 1. Get to know your positive character
Think about what qualities in yourself could help you make friends. Are you a funny person? A good listener? Or always able to give sincere compliments to others? Try making a list of your positive traits whenever you feel shy or low on yourself.
Having trouble finding it? Don't hesitate to ask for help from your family, friends, and other closest people. Believe me, you will be surprised when you hear the positive comments they gave after
Step 2. Practice your strengths
Work on developing your skills and interests in your spare time. For example, don't hesitate to develop your sports and artistic skills, or spend time with pets or do hobbies that you enjoy; enrich your life so that you have more things to talk about with others. Besides, your self-esteem will definitely increase after that!
- By having a hobby, you also have the opportunity to join a club or group that is able to accommodate that hobby. As a result, your opportunities to meet new people will be more open, right?
- Another way to develop a hobby and meet people with similar interests is to set up a relevant club. Love to play chess but your school doesn't have a chess club? Why not try making your own and get your friends to join in on it?
Step 3. Be yourself
In fact, you are indeed a shy person; Then, why should you force yourself to “change” and “pretend to be a different person” in front of other people? Embrace your true personality, whatever it may be. Be sincere and appreciate all the characters you have; surely, your chances of making new friends will actually be wider.
- Being yourself is not the same as accepting your negative character and not trying to improve it. Being yourself means you have to accept your uniqueness and respect it.
- Don't compare yourself to other people either. Always try to be aware if you start imitating other people without realizing it.
Step 4. Think positive
Positive visualizations and self-affirmations can reduce your nervousness when meeting new people. Try to imagine an approach situation that goes well, and convey positive and motivating self-affirmations; Also allow yourself to stay motivated even though at times you will fail.
- Before introducing yourself to other people, try to think to yourself, "This person seems friendly and fun," instead of, "Ugh, I'm always awkward when it comes to meeting new people."
- Visualizing will help you to deal with different social scenarios before actually dealing with them.
Step 5. Refine your perspective on rejection
Remember, everyone has experienced rejection, no matter how good their communication skills are. If someone refuses to talk to you, it doesn't mean that the fault lies with you. So don't let some rejection get in the way of your making friends.
- If someone doesn't want to talk to you, it's possible that he or she is busy or busy worrying about something. It's also possible that he turns out to be just as shy as you!
- If you feel easily down after experiencing rejection, try to focus on your efforts that are bearing positive results.
Method 3 of 3: Maintaining Friendship
Step 1. Be a good listener
Show you care by listening to their stories carefully. Give them your full attention, don't interrupt their words, make eye contact with them, and ask questions about their feelings and thoughts. Walk in their shoes to understand their experiences and perspectives.
- Do your best to cheer up your friends who are in a bad mood. At the same time, there is no need to feel obligated to give advice if it is not asked for. Remember, sometimes people just want to be heard, not advised.
- Most shy people are good listeners; if you also have these advantages, do not hesitate to take advantage of them!
Step 2. Have a positive attitude
In fact, everyone prefers to spend time with a positive and enthusiastic person. Therefore, make it a habit to always draw positive things from every situation and person that comes into your life. If you have been complaining all this time, try to reduce it (especially in the early stages of your friendship with them).
- There's no need to fake your attitude or happiness all the time; most importantly, have a positive mindset so that you can attract and keep more friends.
- Encourage the people around you too! Remember, a positive person should be able to celebrate the hard work, dreams, and achievements of those around him.
Step 3. Go slow
In other words, let your friendship develop naturally over time. Don't try to force your closeness on them; believe me, no friendship can be made in just one week! Instead, enjoy the time you spend with your new friends without growing possessive or dependent on them.
- For example, don't share your personal problems with people you've only known for a week or two.
- If you don't know the proper amount of communication, try to observe the degree to which they are involved in the relationship with you. If they text you every day, chances are you can do the same to them too.
