Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Finding Your Social Circle
• Method 2 of 3: How to Connect with New People
• Method 3 of 3: How to stay socially active

Are you planning to throw a night out for the third Saturday in a row? If so, then perhaps it is time to develop your social activity. Of course, this is easier said than done, especially if you are shy or afraid to make new friends and change your way of life. Start small by connecting with old friends, neighbors, and acquaintances to build your social circle.You can also meet new people by joining a hobby group or volunteering. Once you have a social life, keep it up by keeping in touch with your friends. And also be a good friend to those around you.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Finding Your Social Circle

1. 1 Recover contacts with old friends. Think about people you have known in the past. They can be friends from school or from a previous job. Perhaps you have friends from childhood or acquaintances with whom you went to a circle or section together. Connect with them to communicate again.
   • For example, you can send a message to an old friend and write: “I know, it's been quite a long time since our last conversation, but it would be great to resume communication” or “Hi, buddy, how are you?”
2. 2 Get to know your neighbors. And although this is not very common in Russia, you can try to bring cookies to your neighbors or invite them to tea to introduce yourself. Concentrate on those neighbors with whom you could converge by age or interests.
   • For example, try knocking on a neighbor's door and saying, "Would you like a cookie?" or “I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself.”
3. 3 Be friendly with people at school or at work. Communicate with peers in a class or group, especially those sitting next to you. Also, show attention to your colleagues to expand your social circle.
   • So, to start a conversation, you can ask a classmate or classmate: "Have you already started preparing for the test?" or "How did the exam go?"
   • Or you can ask a colleague, "How was your weekend?" or "How was the meeting?" This will show you friendliness and sociability.
4. 4 Meet with virtual friends. If you are chatting with someone online, consider translating that relationship into real life. Take the person for coffee or invite people in the group chat for a drink.
   • For example, you can say: “It's interesting to correspond with you, but can we meet for a cup of coffee?” or "I would like to continue our conversation over a beer."
5. 5 Join a club or join a hobby club. Meet new people and connect with them, for example by joining a chess or language club at school. Or you can join a group at work (entertainment or volleyball team).
   • You can enroll in courses outside of school or work. For example, take drawing lessons or play sports actively.
6. 6 Sign up to volunteer with local organizations. Choose whose beliefs you share and where you want to contribute. Take the time to get to know and get closer to like-minded people while helping others.
   • You can work in a canteen for the homeless, or organize festivals of local art or music.
7. 7 Participate in social events. Look for groups in your city where you can meet new people based on common interests. So, if you like to read, you can join the book lovers' circle, and if you like to play sports, you can join the athletics section. Today there are groups to suit almost any preference.
   • Check out the flyers in coffee shops or search social media for groups or events in your area.

Method 2 of 3: How to Connect with New People

1. 1 Greet people in a friendly manner. When you first meet someone, start the conversation with a friendly, casual greeting so that the person knows you want to connect with them. You can say hello or hello and then introduce yourself. Ask for the name of the person you are talking to.
   • A friendly, casual greeting might sound like this: "Hi, I'm Masha. What's your name?"
2. 2 When meeting, remember the name of each person. Try to memorize the names so that you can use them later during the conversation. For better memorization, repeat the name aloud once or twice, and make sure you pronounce it correctly.
   • For example: "Ruslan Avugalypovich? Nice to meet you, Ruslan Avugalypovich."
   • If you forget the name, apologize and ask to repeat it.
3. 3 Show positive body language. Maintain eye contact as you greet. The body should be turned towards the interlocutor, and the arms should be relaxed at the sides. Also lean slightly forward towards the person. This will show that you are interested and engaged in the conversation.
   • You can also nod and smile, expressing your desire to communicate and establish contact.
   • Take a relaxed body position. Sit or stand with your head raised and your shoulders straight to demonstrate openness, friendliness, and self-confidence.
4. 4 Maintain small talk to get to know the person better. Small talk is when you talk to someone about their life, trying to get more information about them. If asked in return, you can also share any details from your life. To start small talk, ask a question about the person's profession or education. Or, if you are at a party, you can ask how your interlocutor got to know the host of the evening.
   • For example: "So how did you meet the owner?" or "What brings you here?"
   • Or: "What do you work for?" or “What educational institution did you graduate from?”.
   • After that, you can ask any questions regarding the profession or education of the person. So the conversation will go on as usual and not subside.
5. 5 Ask meaningful leading questions during the conversation. Use the information that was already given to you earlier. Ask about something that you have been told. This will turn small talk into more meaningful conversation.
   • For example, ask, "What is it like to study in Japan?" or “What is it like to work in the field?”.
6. 6 Concentrate on what unites you. Find similar interests with the other person. It could be your favorite TV show, movie, or book. Use this to connect with the person.
   • For example: “I also watch this show. What's your favorite episode? " or “I just finished reading this book. What do you think of the ending? "
7. 7 Invite the other person to do something fun or interesting. If you feel like you've made a friendship, you can suggest doing something together that you both enjoy. You can also invite the person to a meeting with your other friends or spend time doing something that you have planned for the near future.
   • For example: “Actually, I was going to the bookstore to meet with the author of the book next week. Want to go with me?" or “My friends and I wanted to watch the next episode together, will you join us?”.

Method 3 of 3: How to stay socially active

1. 1 Meet with friends regularly. Even if you are a very busy person, make time for your friends in your schedule. Make time for them to keep your social life active.
   • For example, you can arrange to meet in a cafe for a cup of coffee once a month on the same day. So you can immediately highlight it in your schedule and build on it when planning your business. Or, once a week, invite your friends to a play night so everyone can see each other.
2. 2 Say yes when you are invited to go somewhere or meet. Do not avoid the opportunity to spend a pleasant time with your friends. Be open to everything new and connect with people regularly. Prefer yes when it comes to inviting you to meet.
   • You should also be punctual and follow through if you already agreed to spend time with friends. Be reliable and don't give up at the last minute for no good reason.
3. 3 Be good listener for your friends. Friendship is built on mutual assistance.Being a good friend and maintaining friendship means listening to people when they need it. Try to find the time when the person needs it. And also provide emotional support.
   • Try not to judge your friends, otherwise it can lead to conflict in the relationship. Listen better and support when needed.
4. 4 It is not the number of friends that matters, but their quality. It takes a long time to find good friends and maintain a healthy social life. Communicating with a large number of people can be challenging. Better to focus on making friends with one or two people you like and respect. Or you can find a small group of people with whom you will connect on a deeper level.