Naturally, humans are inherently social beings. Enjoying other people’s company, maintaining a connection, and bonding with them are significant stress reduction elements.
Having positive encounters with others directs our energy outward instead of inward. Instead of getting stuck with our own emotional or mental turmoil, we get to focus on other people and temporarily forget our own thing. Better, we can even be inspired and learn something from them, making us handle our problems more positively.
There are these stress hormones in our system called oxytocin. Whenever we have an enjoyable social activity, our oxytocin levels increase, diminishing anxiety levels and improving our ability to respond calmly.
To have such interactions, you can join a class, such as art classes or something more physical like gym classes. For instance, joining a weekly tai chi class does not only enable you to meet people, but it’s also good for your physical and mental health.
Enjoying time with other people is a proven effective mood booster, especially if these people are who you’re very close to. Regular encounters with them help us improve our mood and feel a sense of safety, belonging, and happiness.
Blending in Social Events
To blend with people you’re not familiar with can be the best place to start and get better at socializing. There may be hurdles, but everyone can overcome whatever it is. To do this, you have to be confident about yourself and your individuality. Adjusting to other people’s likes and being someone you’re not is not a healthy way of socializing.
Being Dynamic and Flexible in Social Interactions
Seeming so stiff or being rigid keeps you from having an actual interaction. People could get the impression that you’re not enjoying and interested. Worse, you might kill someone’s vibe. You can start by making small talks, but don’t dwell on it for too long. Build it up and discuss things you might have in common and can lead to a mutual understanding. But be careful not to ask questions that may be uncomfortable for them to answer. Always be polite and considerate.
There is not even a fixed rule that dictates you should stay in one place to be able to have a good social interaction. If it’s too much for you, you don’t have to scan the entire room. Narrow your focus and get a vibe to those who are closer to your side. Try to start a conversation with at least one or two of them, and you can start from there. If you can’t find someone to talk to, you can walk around a little to avoid seeming rigid. Take a few deep breaths and gather your confidence.
Giving Compliments When You Socialize
Making others feel good about themselves makes them like you, and it can begin to be a new friendship. However, don’t give compliments you don’t mean because some people see through that kind of lie. You can give compliments for politeness purposes. Giving people your approval, especially at the first encounter, can build a later tight relationship.
Compliment things about themselves, their life, or the things they do. Show them it’s pleasant to see and talk to them. While you don’t have to like them immediately, you can just do it out of courtesy and respect, showing that they’re being listened to and acknowledging good things about them.
Ending a Conversation the Right Way
There’s always a chance you could run into somebody you have nothing in common with in social events. You’re bound to meet people who aren’t agreeing with your personality. Some people can engage in a tired conversation. Don’t be that person.
If you encounter a conversation you’re not enjoying, it’s best to end it. Ending a conversation prevents you from having an awkward social situation. A way to do this is to tell them that it’s nice to meet them and move on. Get out of there. This can also be a time when you can use a little white lie and tell them that someone is calling for you or something similar.
Final Words
Some people are naturally sociable wherever they go. Unfortunately, some are having trouble interacting with others. For introverts, meeting new people or being around others they’re not close to can be exhausting.
However, socializing doesn’t have to be meeting new people or being in a social situation you’re not comfortable with. It can just be spending time with family, relatives, or close friends. Isolating yourself for too long is not good for your psychological well-being. Even if you’re living alone, make sure to check on your family and friends.
