Develop the Skills to Meet New People

Meeting new people is never easy, especially if you feel like you do not have the skills necessary to make a good first impression.

We all need social networks in our lives to feel a sense of belonging that makes us thrive as people. With a little practice and a little perseverance, you can develop the skills you need to expand your community and meet new people with confidence.

Focus on Others, Not You

The best way to get to know someone is to learn more about them and find common ground where you can connect. You’re never going to do this if all you do is talk about yourself!

Think about how easy it was to make friends a child — part of the reason for that was because we’re all naturally curious and that makes conversation come naturally. Apply those same principles to conversations with new people you meet as an adult and you might be surprised at how easily you can get to know someone.

Don’t Be Afraid of Sharing Details

Maybe you have a lot of acquaintances, but far few people whom you truly consider as friends. One difference between our friends and our acquaintances is the amount of information that they know about us.

Do you make small talk with someone, or do you feel comfortable sharing more intimate details about your life? You’ll need to become comfortable with the latter if you really want to develop lasting friendships.

You don’t need to divulge your darkest secrets, but you should be prepared to share a little more than normal. Start with small stories and work your way up from there as you continue to build trust with the new person or people in your life.

Take Initiative

Meeting new people is a two-way street. There are times when you’ll be introduced to someone, but other times when you may need to grab the bull by the horns and find them on your own.

This concept also applies once you’ve met someone. Don’t sit back and wait for them to initiate something with you; reach out and make plans to get together. If this makes you uncomfortable, choose a location for your meeting that will put you at ease like your favorite coffee shop or restaurant.