11 Genius Tips: How To Make Friends In College With Social Anxiety

If you’re shy, it’s probably more accurate to say that most people at your school don’t really know you. This is something you can change by making more of an effort to meet and talk to people. If you’re shy or introverted, finding a group of like-minded individuals can be very comforting and they can be easy to bond with. The beauty of clubs and communities is that they’re formed around a common interest, so you already have something to talk about. Meeting strangers IRL and making friends can feel overwhelming and challenging when you’re lonely for these reasons and many more (some of us just are naturally shy, quiet people).

This gives you more time for you to get comfortable around everyone. On the first meeting some people may overlook you since you’re not saying much. Aside from that, focus on clubs, classes, teams, or volunteer positions that are longer-term, or that go for a few weeks at the very least.

Some people naturally seem to click from the moment they meet. Others may develop a fondness over time after initially feeling neutral about each other. It is easier for some people than others to have small talk with people of any age or social stature, but for some of us, it takes a lot of time, energy, and effort to approach someone new. To make it worse, television shows and films show us a world where hanging out with friends or strangers is super easy.

It often feels like everyone around you is effortlessly navigating social situations while you struggle to find the right words. If you’re a shy person, meeting people and making new friends might be hard for you. Feeling shy or extremely nervous, or uncomfortable around new people might have kept you from trying to make new friends in the past. In order to overcome your shyness and make new friends, you may need to step out of your comfort zone.

They’re one of the easiest, most natural ways to meet other people who are just as new, nervous, and eager to connect as you are. Plus, bonding over mutual struggles with pronunciation is strangely unifying. And there’s something cool about starting from scratch and learning with the same people. I had a Swiss friend I studied with in Mexico for a few months who I then used to meet up with in Spain years later.

Yes, many individuals successfully manage their shyness through practice and exposure to social situations. One of the best ways to make friends is to put yourself where the people are. Joining a club, sports team, or even a study group helps you naturally meet others with similar interests—without the pressure of forcing a https://chattyromance.webflow.io/ friendship.

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For example, a book discussion group at a local library, or a drop-in night at a board game cafe. The activity starts the conversation for you and gives you something to talk about. Even if you just stick to the topic at hand, you’ll still show bits of personality here and there and give people a sense of what you’re about.

The key to making friends when you’re shy is to be willing to take the initiative to reach out to others. If this seems too difficult, you can prepare a strategy in advance to feel more comfortable. Even though it can be a source of anxiety, accepting invitations to social events is a crucial step. In both cases, the key aspect is to be open and friendly, while remaining aware of the other person’s social signals. An effective strategy for meeting people in places like a library or cafe involves a combination of regular presence and subtle, respectful interactions.

And if you post them online, you’ll have an easy way to keep track of everyone you met at the concert. One of the best ways to make friends at a concert is to simply start talking to the people who are around you. Ask them who their favorite band is, where they’re from, or what their favorite song is. Most people are happy to chat and you never know, you might end up making some great new friends. Concerts are a great way to see your favorite bands and artists, but they can also be a great way to make new friends- even if you’re a little shy. Here are some tips on how to break the ice and make some new friends at your next concert.

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Start improving your confidence, your conversation skills, or your ability to bond – in less than an hour. Below are 15 ways you can make friends, even if you’re a shy person. Every life experience is an opportunity to practice your interaction skills and gradually reduce your shyness. In a cafe, sit in a place where it’s easy to observe and join interactions, like the bar or a communal table. A good starting point can be to comment on something unique in the environment, like the art on the walls or the music selection.

• If you exchange numbers or social media handles with someone before the concert starts, you’ll have an easy way to keep in touch after the show is over.
• Doing something physical such as a sport can also take the pressure off a bit and put you in a social situation where you have a clear sense of your purpose and what you can offer.
• Being shy definitely doesn’t mean that you are not interested!
• They’re about making a new city — a new country — start to feel like home.

Regular messaging or calling shows you care and keeps the connection alive. Small gestures such as sending a funny meme or sharing an article of interest can start meaningful exchanges. Living with roommates can be a fantastic way to make new friends, especially if you’re moving to a new city or neighborhood. Shared living spaces often come with a sense of community, especially if you choose the right roommates. Websites like SpareRoom can help you find roommates who share your interests and lifestyle preferences, helping you find roomies that fit. Take this quiz and get a custom report based on your unique personality and goals.

Here’s a look at how to meet friends in college when your student is attending an online school. If your student is living in a dorm, attending any dorm parties can help them get to know the people living in their building without much pressure. Plus, party settings may help shier students identify other introverts with who they may be more comfortable engaging. If your student does, spending a little time getting to know their roommate is an easy way to explore a possible social connection. While there’s no guarantee they’ll develop that sort of bond with a roommate, the situation makes trying a wise idea. Not only will roommates have ample chances to engage with each other one-on-one, but having even a casual rapport could make the year easier regardless of whether they become friends.

How To Make Friends If You Are Shy: A Practical Guide For Reserved People

Contribute ideas, be transparent about your availability, and in general, do your part in making yourself a cooperative, supportive team member. Open questions are questions that can have a number of responses, whereas closed questions are questions which are limited to a few set answers. When chatting to people try to use open questions to encourage discussion and if you get asked a question try to respond in a way that suggests you’re happy to continue a conversation. It’s far easier to approach someone who looks like they want to talk to you. Barriers such as wearing earphones and negative body-language might put people off.