Every single person has experienced a little bit of anxiety when it comes to social interactions. If you feel anxiety when you have to be involved in a social setting, keep reading. With these simple tricks, the fear of meeting new people and other social situations could become a thing of your past.When you first meet someone, make sure to use their name right away. Experts say that it reinforces the name in your mind. You can accomplish this by saying the person’s name immediately after you find out what it is, saying the name out loud when you enter their number into your phone, and addressing them by their name often during the course of your meeting. Plus, people love hearing their name.
When you first meet someone, take a few seconds to look at their eye color. Just a few seconds is enough time to give eye contact. It might feel uncomfortable, but it will make you more trustworthy to the other person.
It seems logical that if someone does you a favor then you will like them more, but research tells us that we like people for whom we’ve done favors. The reason is that we tend to justify doing the favor to ourselves by surmising that we like them. This is called the Ben Franklin effect because of what he once said, “He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged.”
It can be extremely uncomfortable to talk to an audience or make new friends, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t fake being comfortable. If you can just act like you’re comfortable, then you can actually trick your brain out of its anxiety. For example, if meeting new people makes you anxious, then pretend that you already know them and allow your anxiety to just slip away.
During a conversation, it can be a bit hard to get what you need from the other person. For example, you ask them a question, but they don’t actually answer it when they respond. When this happens, try being quiet. Silence tends to make people feel a bit awkward, so not receiving a response from you could compel them to continue talking, ultimately giving you the answer that you need..
People need to feel heard and validated because it allows them to feel safe, secure, and confident with the interaction that they’re having. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by rephrasing what a person is telling you. Once you show them that you understand what they’re saying, they’ll feel more confident with the conversation.
A lot of people do it accidentally, but regardless of that, you’ve got to put your foot down, but in a calm, rational way. The next time someone interrupts you, just keep talking. But there’s a catch that you have to remember: Don’t raise your voice. Don’t change your demeanor. Keep your voice and body language the same, and there’s a good chance that the person interrupting will feel awkward enough to stop talking.
When you’re walking down a sidewalk that’s just a little too crowded, don’t look in the eyes of the people walking past you. And don’t look at the ground, either. Keep your back straight, head up, and your eyes forward, and people will be a lot more likely to get out of your way.
It’s inevitable that some people are going to be rude to you and they’re going to try to egg you on. If someone is attempting to bring the worst out of you, just keep smiling, remain positive, and say something like “maybe you’re right.” If you’re lucky, they’ll feel defeated and stop right then and there.
People absolutely love talking about themselves, so if you’re trying to make friends ask them some questions. Not only will it open up room for conversation, but it will allow you to get to know them better!
Going to an amusement park to ride some rollercoasters is a great way to spend a first date. The hormones that are released when you’re excited, surprised, or scared can actually help create a bond with another person!
The way that you hold your body can send subconscious messages to those you’re speaking to. For example, when you cross your arms you’re showing a sign of being defensive and uncomfortable. So let’s get back to faking it until you make it, and uncross your arms and legs until it comes naturally to you!
Rewarding good behavior is a great way to allow the people in your life know that you’re paying attention. If someone does something that you’ve asked them to do, praise them. Let them know you recognize their effort because it will make your relationship more sound and secure.
If you’re having a conflict with a co-worker, friend, or relative, be sure to sit next to the person rather than directly across from them. This way your position is not oppositional and you won’t feel as threatening. This is a good tip to remember when you have a conference room meeting or even at the dinner table.
We all feel obligated to do things for other people, even when we don’t want to. While it’s always nice to help, remember that you don’t have to. Be confident, stand firm, and say no the next time you feel obligated to do something you can’t or don’t want to do.
