Are you preparing to spend your third consecutive Saturday night at home? If so, it may be time to try and improve your social life. Of course, having a social life is easier said than done and you may feel shy or nervous about making new friends, as well as starting new habits. Start small, by contacting old friends, neighbors and acquaintances, so that you can build a network of relationships. You can also meet new people by joining an association or by volunteering. After spicing up your social life, work on it by staying in touch with your acquaintances and proving yourself a good friend to those around you.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Create a Network of Relationships
Step 1. Get back in touch with your old friends
Think about people you've known for a long time, like old school friends or co-workers. You may also have childhood friends or people you met when you were part of a club or group. Try reconnecting with them to see you sometime.
For example, you could text an old friend and say, "I know it's been a while since we last spoke, but I'd love to reconnect" or "Hello old buddy, how are things going? what's this?"
Step 2. Get to know your neighbors better
Bring cookies or a box of tea to your neighbors to introduce yourself. Focus on those you think you have the most in common with, such as your peers or those who share your interests.
You could knock on their door and say, "I just baked some cookies, I brought you some" or "I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello."
Step 3. Be friendly at school and at work
Establish a relationship with your classmates, especially those sitting next to you or not far away. You can also try to be friendly with your co-workers if you want to grow your network of relationships.
- For example, you could start a conversation with a classmate of yours by saying something like, "Have you started studying for the test?" or "How did your exam go?".
- To be open and friendly, you can also ask a colleague how he spent the weekend or if there is any news on the meeting tomorrow.
Step 4. Meet virtual friends in real life
If you are used to meeting people online, see if you can translate these interactions into real life. Offer an in-person meeting for coffee or a drink to the people you chat with on the internet or social media.
For example, you might say, "It was fun chatting with you, would you like to see us for a coffee?" or "I'd like to continue our conversation over a beer."
Step 5. Join a club or group
Meet new people and socialize; you could join a club, such as a theater club, or join a sports team, such as volleyball. Some companies also organize groups and clubs internally, for example for the organization of social events or sports meetings.
You can also join a group outside of school or work, for example by taking an art class or joining an amateur sports team
Step 6. Volunteer at an association in your city
Choose an association whose values you share and to which you want to contribute; commit some of your free time to volunteer with them, so you can meet other like-minded people while doing good to those in need.
For example, you can volunteer at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter, but you can also help out at a music or art festival
Step 7. Attend your community events
Search within your community if there are events that can help you get in touch with new people who have similar interests to yours. For example, if you enjoy reading, you could join a book club; if you love fitness, you could join a jogging group. The possibilities are almost endless.
Check the internet ads and flyers displayed in shops and cafes in your neighborhood to find groups or events to join
Method 2 of 3: Talk to People You Don't Know
Step 1. Say hello in a friendly way
When you first meet someone, start the conversation in a friendly and informal way so they know you want to interact with them. You can say "Hi" and introduce yourself, then ask for their name.
A friendly and undemanding greeting could be: "Hi, my name is Marco, what's your name?"
Step 2. Memorize the names of the people you meet
Try to remember their name so you can use it during the conversation; repeat it once or twice aloud to make it easier to remember and make sure you pronounce it correctly.
- You might say, “Eros Valli? Nice to meet you, Eros Valli”.
- Ask your interlocutor to repeat his or her name if you no longer remember it and apologize for forgetting it.
Step 3. Use positive body language
Maintain eye contact when greeting someone. Keep your arms relaxed at your sides and turn your body towards her. You can also lean slightly in his direction, showing that you are interested in what he is saying.
- You can also nod and smile to show this person that you want to be sociable and connect with them.
- Try to have a relaxed posture. Whether you are sitting or standing, keep your head up and your shoulders back, to show that you are available, friendly and confident.
Step 4. Chat with the person in front of you to get to know them better
Chat with this person to find out more about their life, and perhaps to share details about yours if they ask. To start the chat, you can ask her what work she does or where she went to school. You can also ask her how she knows the birthday boy if you're at a birthday party.
- For example, you could say: "So, how come you know Giulio?" or "What brought you to this party?".
- You can also ask "What do you do?" or "What school did you go to?"
- Also you can answer any questions the person might ask you about your profession or education. This will keep the conversation going.
Step 5. Ask thoughtful questions during the chat
When the person you are talking to has provided you with some information about themselves, ask them questions about something they said to you. This will turn your chat into a more interesting conversation.
For example, you might ask this person, "Did you like going to school in Japan?" or "What is it like to work in the fields?"
Step 6. Focus on the things you have in common
Highlight the interests you share with this person, such as a TV show, movie, or book that you both love, and use them to deepen your relationship.
For example, you might say: “I watch that TV series too! What's your favorite episode? " or “I just finished reading that novel. Did you like the ending?”
Step 7. Offer to do something fun or interesting together
If you think you are bonding in the right way, you can suggest doing something together that interests both of you. You can also invite this person to go out with your friends or join you to do something you have planned in the near future.
For example, you could say: "Next week I was thinking of going to meet that author in a bookstore, would you like to come with me?" or "I was thinking of watching the next episode with some friends, would you like to join us?"
Method 3 of 3: Take Care of Your Social Life
Step 1. Arrange to see your friends regularly
Plan ahead to meet your friends, even if you think you're always busy. Make time for your friends so that you can maintain an active social life.
For example, you can try to make a regular appointment for coffee with a friend once a month, always on the same day. You can also organize game nights at your home with friends once a week so you can all see each other
Step 2. Accept invitations to go out or socialize
Don't hesitate to spend quality time with your friends. Be open to trying new things and socializing with them regularly. Make a commitment to answer "yes" to invitations to go out.
You should also try to be on time and not stand up if you agree to go out with your friends. Don't be indecisive and don't back down at the last minute (unless you have a good reason for doing so)
Step 3. Be a good listener when talking to your friends
Friendship is all about give and take: being a good friend, and above all cultivating friendship over time, involves listening to them when they need someone to talk to. Try to be there for them when they are in trouble.
Also try not to judge your friends, as this can cause conflicts in your relationship. Listen to them and help them when they need it
Step 4. Aim to have good friends rather than having many
Making important friendships and maintaining a healthy social life takes time. Connecting with lots of people can be tricky - instead, focus on one or two friends you get along with and value, or find a small group of people you can connect with on a deeper level.
