Smile. People are drawn to a friendly smile. It makes you seem approachable and trustworthy. [1] X Research source Ask questions. Engage other people in conversations. Show an interest in them and they will become more open and responsive. Another way to start a conversation is simply asking for a pencil or helping them with something they seem to be struggling with. Plan activities. Take the initiative and organize a group trip, for example, hiking or to a concert. This will help you make them friends and show them that you like them and include them.
Ask stimulating questions about the other person’s interests and opinions. Respond to their questions with a sense of the topic. For example, if it is an upsetting conversation about sickness, don’t tell a joke. Responding correctly will generate a sense of trust and create a bond between you.
By remembering to use someone’s name, you will seem like an interesting person who pays close attention to details. It is the same as remembering their birthday, so take notice in what they have to say about themselves.
If you find out that someone likes reading, ask them about the best book they’ve read lately, or ask them to recommend something for you. If they’re interested in something like rock climbing, ask them how they first got involved and see if they’d be willing to bring you along sometime. Try not to overpower the other person by talking about your own interests too much. Remember, the aim is to make them feel interesting. Of course, if they’re genuinely interested in hearing about your recent skydiving experience, don’t refuse to talk about it!
If you really have to disagree with someone, recognize that although you don’t agree, what you hear is not unreasonable. “Yes, I see where you’re coming from, however, . . . ” Make generous use of the metaphor of perspective. “Yes, but if you look at it from a different point of view,. . . ” Never tell another person that their opinions are crazy, stupid or worthless.
Don’t just tag along and look bored if your friend introduces you to a new group of people. Seize the opportunity. Interact with them and try to get to know them, you don’t know who you might meet! Speak to people within the circle you don’t normally hang out with. Try to become friends with them for their own sake, not just because you know them through someone else. Host a party or group activity of some kind and invite as many friends, acquaintances and friends of friends as possible, then work the room!
If you are helping a person to avoid further embarrassment, try saying something like “Hey, Tony. I noticed you were using your dinner fork for your salad. It doesn’t matter that much, but you might start on the outside and work your way in. If you want, you can watch what I do. " Helping someone avoid further embarrassment is honorable. If you are helping someone by reviewing a paper or report they wrote, try starting out with a compliment before pointing out some places they can improve: “Hey Sally, great job on the paper! It was really interesting, but I’ve highlighted some information I think you should double check, I’m not sure if it’s 100% accurate. " Avoid correcting people in a curt, condescending, blunt, rude, abrasive, or exasperated manner. Never correct someone in front of another person. Keep it between the two of you.
If you let it be known that you are a financial whiz, your friends can come to you for monetary guidance or advice. They might feel more comfortable coming to someone they know and trust. If you are a fluent second language speaker, let people know that you would be happy to tutor them before an upcoming exam or vacation.
Holding a good job. Taking care of your appearance. Eating healthily and staying fit. Avoiding drug and alcohol abuse. Having interests and hobbies Respecting others.
Strive to broaden your horizons. Engage in stimulating and thought-provoking discussions, read books and newspapers, travel as much as possible. Be a yes person. If somebody offers to teach or show you something new, take them up on it.
Try something like “Hey, I’m running out to the store to get some groceries. I’d love some company, would you please come with me?” Or something like “Gosh, I’m tired. Wouldn’t it be nice to stay in and watch a movie tonight?”
For example, instead of saying “You can’t smoke in here, go somewhere else” say something like “Isn’t it a nice day outside? Wouldn’t it be nice to smoke outside instead?” Instead of saying “Take out the trash” say something like “Would you mind taking out the trash? I did it last night. "
Using reverse psychology to encourage a person to do the opposite of what you say. If you’re trying to convince someone to go clubbing with you, say something like “Oh well I didn’t think there was any point in asking you, you’re not much of a party animal are you?” Talking around an idea. Give the other person lots of hints and clues, but let them reach the conclusion themselves. If you want your partner to take you away for the weekend, make comments about needing a break from reality, wanting to spend some quality time together etc. And maybe leave some appealing brochures littered around the place, just for good measure.
Pretending that nothing happened. If somebody trips or calls someone by the wrong name, you can avoid causing them embarrassment by pretending you didn’t notice. Help to deflect attention away from the person after an embarrassing occurrence. For example, if somebody says something they’re not supposed to or accidentally causes offense, you can help by quickly changing the subject.
