Looking to be more social? You’ve landed in the right place. Whether you’re an introvert, a bit shy, or just looking to enhance your social skills, this article is your go-to guide.
Discover simple, effective ways to navigate social situations and connect more authentically with others. Let’s start this journey to a more social you!
What Does Being Social Really Mean?
Being social isn’t just about hitting every party or filling your calendar with events. Think of it as connecting. It’s about meaningful social interactions, big or small. Whether you’re chatting with a barista or deep in conversation with a close friend, it’s about that connection.
It’s also about comfort – yours and theirs. Being social means you’re at ease in these interactions, and you make others feel the same. And hey, it’s not a numbers game. You don’t need a crows of friends. Just a few good ones can make all the difference.
Remember, being social is a skill, not a personality trait. It’s something you can learn, tweak, and improve. I’ve seen it firsthand. So, whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, being more social is within your reach.
Why Being More Social Benefits You and Others (It’s a Win-Win)
Ever thought about what happens when you open up a bit more? When you’re more social, it’s like unlocking a treasure chest. You find new friends, and suddenly, people are drawn to you. It’s not just about popularity; it’s influence. By connecting more, you can fast-track your life goals.
Why? Because when people know you, they’re more likely to lend a hand. And that’s how you win.
But wait, there’s more.
It’s not just about you. Being social is a gift to others too. Think about it. When you share your thoughts, your knowledge, and your stories, you’re offering something priceless. And when you listen, really listen, you’re giving them something even more valuable – your attention.
It’s about making your life and the world around you richer. As you become more social, you’re not just building your world; you’re enhancing theirs too. This is how friendships are born, how networks grow, and how lives are changed. So, why not start today?
7 Steps To Become More Social
1. Understand that you’re naturally a social being
You know, “The Social Animal”, a book by David Brooks makes a compelling case. It shows scientifically how we’re hardwired to connect. We’re social creatures at our core. It’s not just a preference; it’s a part of who we are. Ever felt that buzz in a good conversation? That’s your social nature in action.
And it’s not all talk. Research backs this up with loads of evidence. Here are a few scientific findings that make this case:
Brain Activity: Our social interaction areas light up in the brain, showing we’re wired to connect with others. (source)
Oxytocin Release: This ‘social bonding’ hormone increases during social interactions, signaling our biological need to socialize. (source)
Social Pain Overlap: The brain treats social rejection like physical pain, underscoring the importance of social bonds. (source)
Evolutionary Advantage: Historically, social living meant survival, with group living offering protection and shared resources. (source)
Mirror Neurons: These special brain cells help us empathize and understand others, showcasing our natural social intuition. (source)
2. Overcome shyness, social anxiety, and loneliness
Let’s face it: shyness, social anxiety, loneliness – they’re real roadblocks. But you’re not alone in this. Many face these challenges daily. The key? Acknowledging them. You can’t move past what you don’t face.
And it’s okay to struggle with these feelings. The important thing is not to beat yourself up. Instead, learn to gently push past them. It’s about small steps to find your social stride. And trust me, it’s worth the effort.
Related: How to overcome shyness; How to deal with loneliness; Shyness vs. Social Anxiety
3. Practice Social Skills in Everyday Life
Here’s an exercise I often suggest: talk just 5% more – wherever you are, and whomever you’re with.
Whether you’re ordering coffee or chatting in line, push yourself a bit more. It’s a small change that can make a big impact.
Think of it as a mini-challenge. Each word more than usual is a step forward. It’s about building confidence in these everyday moments. Before you know it, you’ll be chatting away more naturally.
4. Have more social interactions online and offline
Start simple. Say hi more, wish people on their birthdays, ask how they’re doing. These small acts matter. They bring warmth to your day and theirs.
And here’s a tip: smile when you interact. Notice how people respond better. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way. It makes you and the person you’re talking to feel good.
Simple, but effective.
5. Show interest in other people
Ever think people are boring? It’s not about the topics, but about the connection. It’s about showing you care. And here’s the thing: people can surprise you.
Everyone has unique stories and experiences. But they only share them if they feel you’re genuinely interested. So listen, ask questions, and you might just find something fascinating. Give it a try with a few people and see what you discover.
6. Step out of your comfort zone little by little
We all have our comfort zones, especially when it comes to socializing. Challenge yourself to step out, bit by bit. Try a new event, like an art show or a meetup.
Go to a social gathering and stay just 30 minutes before you leave.
It’s easy to do, but it will do wonders for you social confidence.
Be kind to yourself in this process. It’s not about a complete overhaul but gentle, gradual changes. This is how you expand your social boundaries without overwhelming yourself.
7. Expand your social circle
Interact, find common interests, and make plans. It starts with one person, then two, then more. Exchange contact info, follow up, and meet up.
Soon, you’re creating group chats, planning outings. That’s how you build a circle. It’s about taking those individual connections and weaving them into a network. And remember, it’s a process.
Related: How to build your social circle
Easy Ways To Be More Social and Practice Communication Skills
You can make it easier to become more social if you put yourself in situations where interacting with others is expected and encouraged. Just choose activities where socializing is a natural part.
Here a few ideas:
Join a Class or Workshop: Find a hobby or interest class; it’s a great combo of learning and meeting people.
Attend Community Events: Local gatherings are perfect for easy, casual chats. These are great for meeting people and making new friends.
Volunteer: Help out for a cause you care about and meet fellow volunteers.
Join a Sports Team or Club: Sports and clubs are fun ways to connect with new faces.
Book Clubs or Discussion Groups: Love reading or discussing? These groups are ideal for meaningful conversations.
Attend Networking Events: These are great for improving social skills while advancing your career by meeting the right people.
Become Social Without Being Fake or Pretending
You don’t lose yourself just by becoming more social. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Remember, as a human, social interaction is a natural part of you. It’s not about faking it; it’s about embracing an inherent aspect of your identity.
I’ve been helping people on social skills since 2011, and I’ve heard many say, “This doesn’t feel like me.” If that resonates with you, know this: it feels odd because it’s new, not because it’s false.
You’ve experienced this before with any skill you learned: it felt strange and foreign at first. It felt “not like you”.
When you become more social, you don’t lose your personality; you enhance it. You don’t compromise your values; you clarify them. This journey makes you more of who you are – only more confident and more connected. It’s about strengthening your identity, not changing it.
Don’t let shyness or social anxiety convince you that being social isn’t for you.
Being More Social At Work
Navigating socializing at work? It’s about balance. First, gauge your office culture – some places are more open to coworker friendships than others. Stay professional while being friendly; it’s not about losing boundaries but knowing where to draw them.
Be mindful of office politics. You don’t need to engage in office politics, just be aware of them. Building trust and rapport is key, not getting caught in drama. Remember, it’s about making work enjoyable and productive, maintaining that professional line.
Be More Social As An Introvert
If you’re an introvert, striking the right balance between ‘me time’ and social time is crucial. Yes, socializing might feel draining at times – that’s totally normal for introverts. Don’t see this as a setback; it’s just how you’re wired.
Prefer deep, meaningful conversations over small talk? That’s fine. In fact, it’s a strength.
When meeting new people, start with a bit of small talk to discover common interests. Then, dive into those deeper topics where you shine.
Being a social introvert is about knowing your limits – how much and how often you can socialize comfortably. It’s a journey of self-exploration. You’re not just learning to be social; you’re learning about yourself and how to express that in social settings.
Remember, it’s about finding balance between socializing and enjoying your alone time.
Related: Socializing as an introvert
Pay Attention to social cues
Social cues are hidden signals in body language, tone of voice, and words. Spotting these cues? It’s a game-changer.
For starters, watch for body language. Someone leaning in? They’re probably into what you’re saying. Constantly checking their phone? That’s your cue they might be bored or distracted. And here’s the real deal: catching these signals lets you adapt on the fly.
You’ll connect better and really get where they’re coming from. Plus, tweaking your chat style based on their cues? It makes conversations click and builds trust. Simple, right? Keep your eyes open, and you’ll master the art of social cues in no time.
Handling Social Rejection
As you’re trying to be more social, you need to learn to handle social rejection, especially when you’re already stepping out of your comfort zone.
Remember that rejection is a universal experience – it happens to everyone, not just you. The key is not to take it too personally. Often, social rejection has more to do with the other person’s preferences or circumstances than with you.
Start by reframing your perspective. View each interaction as a learning opportunity, not a pass-fail test. If an interaction doesn’t go as hoped, ask yourself what you can learn from it.
Was there a miscommunication?
Could you approach a similar situation differently next time?
Also, build a support system. Share your experiences with trusted friends or family. They can offer a different perspective and remind you of your worth. And remember, resilience is built over time. Each small setback is a step towards becoming more confident in socializing. Keep going, and don’t let fear of rejection hold you back from the rich social life you deserve.
In real life, rejection when you’re trying to make friends is far less prevalent than in dating. Remember you’re asking to brighten someone’s day, not take anything from them. You’re a value giver, not taker.
Go Beyond Becoming More Social: Make Friends!
You’ve now got a solid foundation on how to be more social. But if you’re looking to really accelerate your journey, overcome shyness and loneliness, master the art of conversation, make lasting friends, and build your own social circle, that’s possible too.
I invite you to check out my book, “Get The Friends You Want.” It goes deeper into the techniques and principles you need to build meaningful friendships with the people you want in your life. It’s not just about being social; it’s about creating a fulfilling social life that resonates with who you are.