7 Ways to Be More Friendly and Make New Acquaintances More Easily
One of the easiest ways to make new friends and acquaintances is by being super friendly. Of course, there's a lot more to appearing friendly than simply being a kind person at heart.
It involves having a certain approachability and openness that effortlessly makes others feel comfortable and welcome. Unfortunately, for people who are a little shy or guarded, this doesn't necessarily come easily, regardless of how nice you are. However, by making a conscious effort and putting in the work, you can start exuding a friendly aura in no time. Here's how to get started.
Work on Your Attitude
When it comes to seeming friendly, appearances matter. It doesn't matter how friendly you feel on the inside if you always seem cranky, annoyed or exhausted, even if that's just the result of being shy or how your face looks at rest.
To fight this, start with putting on a positive attitude. Try thinking happy thoughts and working through your insecurities to exude a more self-assured attitude. Faking it until you make it can make a big different, and make you actually feel more confident and outgoing in the process. Essentially, when you're not happy and eager to meet new people, they notice, so do what you can to welcome these interactions and it can make a world of difference.
(via Unsplash)
Be Approachable
Being more approachability is a core tenant of appearing friendly. Work on standing up straight and maintaining open body language. Acknowledge others with a friendly, authentic smile and brief eye contact, rather than pretending they're not there. Also pay attention to your surroundings. Be as present and engaged in the moment as you can, and take space in the center of the room, where the action is, to make people want to approach you first
Also read about: 6 Important Steps to Becoming More Approachable
Don't Be Afraid to Approach Other People
Just because you're building yourself up to be extra approachable doesn't mean you shouldn't also be making first moves. In fact, starting light and positive conversations with strangers is one of the friendliness things you can do. Don't be intimidated, because chances are that they're equally sheepish about stirring up a convo with someone they don't know, and by talking to them first, you're actually putting them at ease. Seek out people who might have similar interests, have a similar academic or career trajectory or are around the same age, as common ground can make them easier to talk to and more likely to be a potential friend.
Improving your skills with small talk can make this process a breeze. Consider complimenting them on something—preferably something they've chosen, like the color of an outfit or the qualities of an accessory—or asking them small but thoughtful questions. If you're at an event, that can be the topic of conversation, or you can simply ask them how their day is going, or if they have any local food or coffee recommendations. If all else fails, you can bring up the weather. Work to make the other person feel comfortable, especially if they seem shy. Or, you might gravitate toward other outgoing people, who'll bring out your innate friendliness just by talking to you.
Practice Being an Engaged Listener
Sometimes, being friendly is way about appear interested than interesting, so simply being an engaged and active listener can do wonders. Do what you can to avoid distractions, such as your phone, and try to give the person you're talking to your undivided attention. A lot of the time, people don't feel like they can talk openly with strangers, but if you're curious and engrossed enough, they might feel more comfortable and start gabbing away. React at the right moments and laugh at jokes, while also being open to occasional questions about yourself. Use their name, even if it feels a little awkward, to really make them feel seen and heard. When you put the emphasis on listening to the other person, you come of as super friendly and attentive while letting them do all the work.
(via Unsplash)
Be Open to Opportunities
People who tend to be more introverted may be used to immediately saying no to new opportunities or invites. That's not exactly the "friendly" way to go about things. Instead, seriously consider attending before rejecting an invitation. This doesn't mean doing things that will make you miserable, but instead considering why you tend to say no. An event might be an opportunity to have fun and spend time with new people whose company you enjoy, so if the only thing holding you back is social anxiety, work against that impulse and try something out. If socialization isn't currently a big part of your life, make small steps toward spending more time with people, even if that's just one hangout a week.
Also read about: The Main Reasons You May Be Afraid to Say No to People
Invite People to Hang Out
Once you've taken the leap to start chatting with new people and decided you want to spend more time with them, don't wait for them to create that chance. Invite people to hang out, whether you meet for coffee or lunch, or even go see a movie or head to an event together. The better you can at meeting new acquaintances, the more you can start introducing new friends to each other, or even speaking with your existing friend groups who might get along with them just as well to see if they can come along the next time you all get together. It's the friendly thing to do, and you can make these friendships even more impactful every time you meet up.
(via Unsplash)
Be Friendly to Everyone—Yes, Even That Person
You may not want to hear this, but friendliness shouldn't be conditional. Even if there's an acquaintance in your life, like a co-worker or friend of a friend, who you'd rather ignore, being cold to them is not going to make you appear very friendly to anyone on the outside. Instead, we suggest killing them with kindness. Their attitude toward you might even change if you're nothing but nice to them, and even if that isn't the case, you can rest easy knowing you tried.
Struggling with doomscrolling? Click HERE to discover some of the best activities to do instead (without actually putting down your phone).