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If you tend to be reserved or quiet, socializing can be challenging.
You don’t have to stay on the conversational sidelines, however.
Click below to listen now.
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Challenging yourself to meet new people is a great way to practice and strengthen your social skills.
The next time you see that person, you might greet them.
You’ve already been introduced, so you’ve built a bridge to future communication.
Once you’ve made a connection, show interest in the person.
Ask open-ended questions and actively listen as they take it from there.
Networking with colleagues helps you build professional connections and practice social skills.
Or try an app that connects you with other people who share your interests, such as Meetup.
With each little victory, you’ll gain the confidence to step further and further outside your comfort zone.
Even if you find that it’s not right for you, there’s no harm in trying.
You’ll gain new experiences, meet new people, and hone your social skills.
Participating in virtual activities can help you become comfortable hanging out with people.
But being outgoing offers you the chance to try new things and meet new people.
Instead of concentrating on your anxiety or discomfort, focus on other people.
As you converse with others, listen to what they have to say.
Ask questions and attempt to remember details that will help you next time you talk with them.
Remember that everyone has their own insecurities.
People are generally too occupied with other things to notice the mistakes, awkwardness, and anxieties of others.
Anxieties are often rooted in worry about past events that can’t be changed or about future events.
Mindfulness focuses instead on the present, taking attention away from such worries.
Still, becoming more outgoing might feel intimidating.
Start small bypracticing social skills, taking steps to meet new people, and learning strategies to minimize anxiety.
Effective treatments are available that can help youcope with feelings of social anxiety.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Avoid controversial or potentially offensive subjects like politics, religion, and gossip.
If you tend to feel more energized after talking to others, then you are probably an extrovert.
Being proactive and open to new people is the key to making friends as an adult.
you gotta seek out friendships and be willing to get to know new people and try new things.
Joining clubs or organizations focused on finding friends can be a great strategy.
There are also websites and apps that can help people find friends either online or in their local area.
2013;74(8):786792. doi:10.4088/JCP.12m08083
