Feeling reluctant to open up to others? Don't be ashamed if you experience it because it requires courage to be open, honest, and a readiness to experience vulnerability when interacting with other people, for example with friends, lovers, partners, or acquaintances. This wikiHow teaches you tips to help you open up more easily when interacting with other people.
Step
Method 1 of 11: Find out the strengths and positive aspects of your personality
Step 1. Know that you need to accept yourself as you are in order to open up
For that, start by being aware of any negative thoughts that arise during daily activities. Instead of thinking about negative things that trigger feelings of inferiority, focus on the strengths that are who you are. Recognizing the positive aspects of your personality plays an important role in eliminating feelings of inferiority so that you feel comfortable and ready to open up.
For example, if a sweet smile or a sense of humor makes you feel confident, acknowledge this as your strength
Method 2 of 11: Use social media as a training tool
Step 1. Overcome fear of judgment and rejection by doing simple things
Being ready to open up and experience vulnerability takes a lot of courage, but you don't need to change drastically! Use social media accounts to build self-confidence by sharing everyday experiences while venting. Posting short posts about yourself on social media can help you accept yourself as you are while learning to open up.
For example, write a tweet about how hard your job is. Another example, if you are feeling down, tell how you feel
Method 3 of 11: Cultivate self-confidence
Step 1. Take time to take care of yourself so that you feel confident.
Take time to pamper and take care of yourself every day even if it's only for a few minutes, for example wearing attractive clothes, exercising, or taking a shower twice a day. You will feel confident and more ready to open up if you are able to respect yourself.
Method 4 of 11: Find out what interests the person you are talking to have in common
Step 1. Discuss common interests to make it easier for you to open a conversation
Join a sports team or take courses that interest you. Find friends or acquaintances who share the same hobbies, then invite them to do activities together. Use common interests as topics to start a conversation, then let the chat flow. Plus, it's even more fun to have conversations with people who share the same hobby!
- If you're taking a cooking class, bring up a new friend in a chat by saying, "I'm just starting to learn how to cook. Do you have a simple and easy recipe for that?"
- If you join a cycling group, try to open yourself up by saying, "Cycling is really fun. When I'm stressed, I feel calm after long distance cycling."
Method 5 of 11: Ask questions to get him to tell you about himself
Step 1. Ask questions as a means of opening up during a conversation
Many people enjoy discussing and telling stories about their daily lives. Take this opportunity to share your experience by asking questions to keep the conversation flowing.
- For example, ask about the activities he does to fill the weekend. When he's done talking, give feedback, then share your experience over the weekend.
- The best way to find out what you have in common is to ask questions. After asking a few questions, you'll feel more comfortable opening up if you can talk about a common hobby or passion.
Method 6 of 11: Use friendly body language when talking to other people
Step 1. Use appropriate body language to make you feel more confident and friendly
People who feel nervous and anxious often slouch, cross their arms over their chests, and/or avoid eye contact. Instead, form new self-confidence habits, such as standing or sitting upright, not crossing your arms, and making eye contact. This step gets you ready to open up to others.
Method 7 of 11: Be honest about what you think
Step 1. Be honest and candid when communicating with others to make it easier for you to open up
Instead of leaving the other person wondering, say what you're thinking, then wait for their response. If you are prepared to experience vulnerability, this means that you are willing to have a conversation that is honest, sincere, and beneficial to both parties.
- For example, when talking to your partner, express how you feel by saying, "Lately, we don't feel like we have long conversations together," instead of "You're so busy at work that you don't have time for me."
- Another example, when chatting with a friend, say to him, "I often ask myself whether our friendship is not important to you", instead of, "You really have the heart to ignore me. Since this morning my WA has not been answered."
Method 8 of 11: Use the word "I/I"
Step 1. Say the sentence with the first person pronoun as the subject to express thoughts and feelings through words
When you're vulnerable, you may speak in the position of an object or rely on the other person to keep the conversation going. It does not matter! In subsequent conversations, use the word "I/I" when expressing thoughts and feelings.
- For example, during lunch with your boyfriend, say to him, "I'm glad we can have lunch together," instead of asking, "Do you like eating here?"
- Practice saying "I/I" sentences, for example, "I got a lot of new knowledge after hearing your explanation.", "I enjoyed talking to you.", or "I hope we can graduate again next week."
Method 9 of 11: Challenge yourself to be prepared for vulnerability
Step 1. Set goals for yourself as you go about your daily life
Think of simple things, then make goals that make you feel comfortable opening up, for example meeting new friends while walking in the park or sharing your feelings with a close friend or lover.
For example, tell a friend what stresses you out, instead of talking about your favorite lesson or meal
Method 10 of 11: Find out the cause
Step 1. Remember that you must be prepared to experience vulnerability and overcome fear in order to open up
If you're still in doubt, find out why. Perhaps you are worried that the other person is ignoring or blaming you. Controlling your thoughts and feelings becomes easier once you know the cause.
For example, maybe you have a hard time trusting people because you've been betrayed by a close friend who can't keep secrets
Method 11 of 11: Ask a counselor for help
Step 1. Consult a counselor to overcome your fear of opening up
Make an appointment with a counselor to share your concerns and go to therapy. He can help you identify your fear triggers and explain various methods for opening up and connecting with other people.
