How to Meet New People and Make Connections

I used to be a very shy person, and most of my friends still are. There are a few simple ways to make yourself more approachable, and put other people at ease around you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A little confidence
• A smile (even just a little one!)
• A willingness to try

1. Ok, so yet again you're sitting somewhere alone in a room full of people. I've been there, friend. There is hope! A few behaviors may need to be modified, but you can flirt.
   Attracting a potential mate (or even just a new friend) is human nature. Unfortunately, society can make us a little afraid to speak up and say hello. Here's a few tricks to flirting and meeting people.

2. Think about your posture: Do you slouch? Sit tensed up or hunched over? I usually sat with my knees drawn up and my nose in book, personally.
   This says: Please leave me alone, either I'm afraid of the world or I hate everything.
   
   Sit up straight, but not ridged. Relax your shoulders and legs. Try not to scowl inadvertently (I did constantly, usually while concentrating on a book or writing). You want to present others with the image of yourself as a content, relaxed person.

3. Sitting relaxed, you notice someone attractive. Look their direction without moving anything but your eyes.
   Are they looking back? Smile gently. Not too widely, but not thin lipped either. Make that smile genuine--think about a favorite song that never fails to cheer you up, and let that same smile form on your face to share with a new person.

4. Did they smile back? If they did or didn't it doesn't really matter (unless they gave you a look that indicates 'Stay the heck away'). Now to approach. Keep that smile, and introduce yourself!
   Are you both reading in a coffee shop? Go up and find out what the lovely gentleman is reading, since you're "looking to broaden your literary interests."
   At a party and she's sitting alone? Go up and ask to keep her company since you "weren't talking to anyone at the moment."
   I encourage you to use your own words to play off whatever the other person may be doing.

5. I hope things have gone well so far. Keep conversation light; no talk of exes, party gossip, politics unless the other person brings the subject up, and even then tread carefully. Be open to their opinions, but feel free to state your own--nobody likes a fake.

6. Laugh gently in appropriate places, lean towards the other person when talking about something interesting (keep at least 1 1/2 feet of space between you unless they move closer though, this seems to suit most comfort zones), and let your face be expressive and relaxed.
   Be sincere in your conversation. Most people can tell who isn't being sincere, and no one is worth changing who you are.

7. Don't monopolize anyone; if the conversation has been good for 3 straight minutes, give them your number and excuse yourself. You never want to appear desperate or clingy.
   What's the worst that could happen? They don't call? So what? Do this with at least one person a day, and you will have luck in making new connections.