Meeting new people can be a challenge. If you're newly single, have moved to a new city or just want to expand your social circle, connecting with others can seem like a daunting task. It can be easy to avoid by making excuses and procrastinating. But with some effort, courage and a little imagination, you can overcome the challenge of meeting new people.
Step 1
Improve your social skills. Good social skills allow people to make connections. Some examples of good social skills include making eye contact, listening deeply and with empathy, asking others about themselves and sharing information about yourself in return, without being too humble or too boastful. These behaviors establish trust and intimacy, according to Tom G. Stevens, Ph.D., psychology professor emeritus at California State University, Long Beach.
Step 2
Consult a medical professional if you think you may suffer from social anxiety disorder. Sufferers feel intense fear in situations where they feel they're being watched or judged by others, says Helpguide.org. Meeting new people is extremely difficult. Social anxiety disorder can be successfully treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications.
Step 3
Take risks if you consider yourself shy. When you meet someone new, she usually has no idea who you are, giving you the opportunity to reinvent yourself. Consider acting more outgoing, advises Iona College counseling center.
Step 4
Develop and practice a strategy to use when you find a person you'd like to meet, advises Dr. Stevens. Having a strategy will make you feel more prepared and confident. Start by saying hello. Ask an open-ended question, such as, "How do you like this place?" or "What do you think of this weather?" Have a business card or pen and paper handy so you can exchange information.
Step 5
Schedule activities that interest you. Consider taking an evening class to develop a hobby or learn more about a subject, joining a book club, attending a lecture at a museum, joining a business organization or becoming a regular at a coffee shop. Volunteering is a good way to make new friends, build ties to your community and develop your support network, according to Helpguide.org.
Tips and Warnings
- It takes time to meet others and build relationships, so be patient and try not to become discouraged, advises Iona College Counseling Center. Continue to put yourself in situations where you can meet new people. Relationships depend on good communication skills, Helpguide.org says. Learning the basic skills of emotional intelligence can help you connect with others.
- Refrain from being self-critical if you feel lonely. Recognize that lonely periods are common and normal.
Things You'll Need
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