How To Make Friends As A Shy, Anxious Introvert

Finding one good friend is often easier (and less draining) than building a crowd of superficial acquaintances you don’t have the time or energy to really get to know. If you don’t actually feel the need to spend time among others, that’s just fine. Being alone doesn’t necessarily translate to loneliness, after all.

Starting Small: Engaging In Low-stakes Conversations

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. Not only will you be helping someone else who might be in a similar situation to you but it usually feels easier to approach one person than a large group. When you do notice a lack of companionship, however, start by taking small steps to broaden your social horizons. When you want to make changes in your social life and struggle to do so, you might begin to notice a mental health impact. That said, changing certain behaviors could offer some benefits, according to a 2020 study that asked 131 students to change their behavior for 2 weeks.

• Overwhelming negative thoughts might hinder your ability to strike up a conversation with a potential friend.
• Introverts can start by practicing brief, low-pressure conversations in comfortable environments.
• Reflect on past experiences where you felt rejected or misunderstood.
• By learning how to make good friends in college, it’s easier to create those critical opportunities to engage with others.

By showing a genuine interest in your colleagues and taking the time to get to know them on a personal level, you can start to establish a rapport that can eventually lead to friendships. If in-person socializing feels intimidating, online communities offer a great way to meet like-minded people. Platforms like Reddit, Facebook, or even Discord have a wide variety of groups for all kinds of interests.

How To Be More Approachable (and Look More Friendly)

It’s wise to go forward cautiously as you explore the level of interaction that works best for you. Setting limits around the time you spend with others can help you avoid burnout. When you stretch yourself too thin, you’ll have less to give to the people you care about — which can decrease the quality of your existing relationships. You may not shine your brightest in group settings or lay your feelings down on the table for all to see, but you have other valuable things to offer. Challenge yourself to try one thing — it’s OK to start small — that has always interested you. Maybe it’s a stargazing evening, a dance class, a birdwatching tour, or a guided tour of a historical site.

Lifestyle Quizzes

I’ve been writing about social skills for nearly twenty years. I was shy, awkward, and lonely until my mid-twenties and created this site to be the kind of guide I wish I’d had at the time. 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.

Now, I suggest moving on LatinFeels to the third tip which is to practice active listening. To choose the right groups or forums on social networks, it’s important to follow a thoughtful approach that takes into account your interests, communication style, and socialization goals. Social networks offer a less intimidating platform for social interactions. When looking to join an interest group to expand your social circle, it’s essential to choose a group that not only matches your interests but also your comfort level.