Communication, Friendship, Happiness
I’m sure you can admit that sometimes you just don’t want to be around people. I’m guilty of it. In college I adored being social. Meeting new people was my favorite pastime, plus I loved the sound of my own voice. Then I graduated and started adulting. Suddenly social outings weren’t as fun, they were uncomfortable and exhausting. Overtime I converted to a full time introvert, but like everything in life we have to retain a healthy balance.
I could be experiencing a small case of FOMO (fear of missing out), but I don’t want to tuck myself away and risk loosing out on precious interactions. It’s that very interplay that helps us grow. Enjoy these 3 easy tips to remind yourself to chill when you find yourself with new and old friends.
1. LISTEN
Stop, drop and listen. No, I mean really listen. Give the person you’re conversing with your undivided attention. Not only is it a sign of respect, but when you listen you find ways to identify with the other person. Once you relate to their words a commonality is established and voila, you have the makings of a mutually edifying conversation. It’s really that easy.
2. STOP THINKING ABOUT YOUR TO-DO LIST
It’s easy to think about something else when you’re conversing with someone if you’re trying to avoid being vulnerable, but if our to-do lists were that important we would’ve done them already. The truth is in order to truly enjoy the company of another you have to be in that moment with them, mind and body. Your presence is essentially a gift, with it you’re opening yourself up to new possibilities with this person or persons.
3. SHARE
We all like to talk so why stay mute? Offer something to the conversation. Just like ping pong the ball has to bounce to both sides of the table to qualify as an actual game. Make it an interaction. The more you listen, establish common ground and enjoy the moment the more you’ll have to share, so go on and talk it up! No need to hide your bubbly personality or opinion, let others see and hear you.
One of the many joys of this world is the people who populate it. Yes, folks can be pretty pernicious but without them life wouldn’t be as memorable, as laughable or as enjoyable.
Have more tips? Post them in the comments below!
