For many people talking to others can even cause great anxiety. A lot of my friends dont know how to talk to people. While that is not my typical problem, I am here to remind you we are all human! We all have off days, and we all can be awkward sometimes. With that in mind, I wanted to give some tips on talking to others and some conversation starters when making new friends.
1. Find the common ground
Common ground can be as easy as, hey, how are you today? For example, you are at a coffee shop and ask the barista their favorite drink! Great start, and you might find out a new drink you want to order. Or the next time you are waiting for class to start, ask the person sitting next to you what they thought of the homework this weekend. Share if you’re nervous about the next test or not.
2. Follow up 🙂
If you enjoy talking to someone, don’t be afraid to ask to hang out! I have never met anyone who didn’t want more friends. Whenever I asked anyone for their Instagram or phone number or to study after class, no one has ever looked at me weirdly and said “no.” Every time the person is excited and wants to make plans. Everyone wants to feel like they are good at making friends.
3.Be intentional
If you enjoy studying with someone or talking to them: tell them! Be the first one to text or the first one to make plans sometimes. I don’t know a single person who doesn’t love being appreciated, haha! Ultimately, as humans, we long for connection. I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t want to be included and thought of. Reach out to friends and be intentional to create meaningful relationships.
Side note: I am not crazy. These tips have been proven to work by psychologists 🙂 I will link a podcast I just found this week at the bottom of this post.
I also wanted to give some conversation starters to get you started with these tips. 🙂
What is a dream of yours to accomplish in life?
If God could open any door right now in your life what would you want it to be and why?
What was your childhood like?/Where did you grow up?
What is something that makes you really happy?
What is your love language?
What are your friends like?
What would you want your ten-year plan to include?
What is your relationship with God like?
What is your relationship with church?
What is your relationship with your family like ?
Favorite music genre
Three favorite songs at the moment
Marvel or DC?(controversial I know haha)
Favorite movie
Favorite pastime
Where do you work? If you could choose anywhere at all where would you work?
What is your perfect day off?
If you go anywhere in the world where would you go?
If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live?
Coffee or tea?
Boba or no boba?
What is something you want to learn in the next year?
Best book you have ever read?
I hope these can help you grow your friendships and make it easier to make new friends 🙂 Much love and God bless! -Isabel