An Introvert's Guide To Making Meeting New People Less Scary
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

From One Introvert To Another, Here Are 5 Things I've Learned That Makes Meeting New People Less Scary

Putting yourself out there doesn't have to be painful if you use these five tips.

93
From One Introvert To Another, Here Are 5 Things I've Learned That Makes Meeting New People Less Scary
https://unsplash.com/photos/nF8xhLMmg0c

Whether for school, sorority life, or my involvement with student media, I'm meeting new people all the time, and it's harder on some days than others. I've picked up a few strategies along the way to make your interactions easier and more enjoyable.

1. Put your phone down.

unsplash.com

Millennials are said to have poor conversation skills from too much time spent texting. Please don't prove that stereotype true, and especially not when you're meeting someone for the first time. Your phone is something you use to schedule a coffee date, not something to hide behind while you're there. Stopping to check your texts in the middle of a conversation may come off as scattered, or that you don't care what the other person has to say. If you need to take a call or keep track of the time, let the other person know in advance. Besides, you might miss a key connection point if you're too busy scrolling through Instagram to notice.

2. Have three go-to topics...

unsplash.com

Whether it's a job interview or a casual meet-up, going into a conversation unprepared will only heighten your nerves. Memorize a list of three talking points that you can spend a long time discussing and will give the other person a clear sense of who you are. Make sure these topics are widely applicable so the other person feels included, too. For example, if I'm meeting a fellow student or someone similar in age, I'm most likely to talk about my major, campus involvement, and travel experiences.

3. ...and three deeper-level questions.

unsplash.com

Done with the go-to topics, or ready to get to know someone on a deeper level? Don't be afraid to ask a few (reasonably) personal questions. What's at the top of their bucket list? What's their favorite emoji, or their absolute dream job? Your curiosity will spark the other person's interest and show that you genuinely care.

4. Follow up.

unsplash.com

People are proven to like you more if you as follow-up questions. So go ahead, ask away! If the other person makes a statement, don't just leave them hanging. A quick "Oh! Tell me more," is so easy, and will take a lot of the pressure off you.

5. Engage, meaningfully.

unsplash.com

If you do what you love, you should have no problem talking about it. Engaging your interests will give you tons of talking material and even heighten your confidence. Explain what you've learned from 14 years of competitive gymnastics, and don't be shy about your love for Nicolas Sparks movies. Who knows? You might meet someone who's just as obsessed with The Longest Ride as you are.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

93570
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments