Quote:
Originally Posted by rebecca
(Post 375582)
How do I make friends? I have the social skills of an ent - they partially existed, but I've forgotten how to use them properly.
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I know this probably sounds cheesy and stupid, but...just be yourself. ^_^
A real fast way to make friends is to be helpful. If someone needs help with something, even if it's small (needs a pencil, forgot their textbook, feel like chatting/venting for a minute, etc.), be the one to help out. That shows you're conscious of the needs of the people around you, and makes you look like you're a caring person. People care about their friends, and friends care about each other, so, you can show that you're open to a new friendship by caring about others. ^_^
Also, if you want to make friends, you need to work on how you appear to others. Body language is the key. I know not everyone focuses on that, but, subconsciously, everyone at least
notices body language. Try to always sit up straight. Hunching over can show apathy or make you seem standoffish. Don't bunch up your hands into fists too much, even when you're nervous or angry. Open or relaxed hands make a person seem more approachable and less tense. And try not to scowl during a class you don't like--people may think you're scowling at them specifically, not just the class in general.
And don't be afraid to start up a conversation! ;) Maybe start off with a comment about the day. (PLEASE don't comment on the weather unless it's doing something interesting or odd... ._. That can kill a conversation before it even begins, trust me.) The key to a conversation is to be observant. ^_^ If the person is a girl, compliment them on something about their outfit. (But make sure you mean it--if you hate their hairdo, don't say, "Nice hair!") If the person is wearing a specific shirt/outfit, (it has a band name on it, a sports team logo, a specific dog breed/puppy, a reference to a book or movie series), ask them about it. ("Oh, so you like Metallica?" *le person responds* Is Metallica your favorite band? I like *insert name of heavy metal band here*.) After you get the conversation going, try asking some non-serious questions about the person. (Where they're from, if they have hobbies, least favorite class/teacher, etc.) (FACT: People LIKE to talk about themselves.) Just always try to answer the questions you ask them after they respond, so it doesn't sound like you're interrogating them. XD
Hope some of that helps. <:^J
