Making friends (by not being awkward)
Admit it, at some point you have been stressed about having to make friends at the beginning of school year. It is intimidating, having to blend in with new people and socialise (especially for a socially awkward potato like me). Which is why this guide is gonna help you make friends with a little less embarrassment and effort.
Okay, so you’ve stepped into the college/school gates and you already spot some groups busy chatting with each other. What do you do? You walk past them (like me) and walk straight to your classroom or locker or wherever. Instead of all the drama and adrenaline, follow these rules when you walk in on your first day :
⬛ Don’t, ever look down. Nope, hold your head high, be proud of who you are.
⬛ Observe. I cannot stress enough on this fact. I always used to just look straight and rush to my class without glancing around at all. Stare at others (not creepily), notice details about your school. They’re pretty useful later, trust me.
⬛ Smile at anybody who is looking at you. Okay, maybe avoid creepy stalkers, but just give everyone a warm smile and greet them when you make eye contact.
Never break eye contact awkwardly because you’ll come off as antisocial sometimes.
Throw in a simple “hi” with that dazzling smile of yours!
⬛ Greet all teachers and other workers at school politely.
Greet the janitor who’s always sitting in a corner, or the woman who serves you food (if they do) with a simple smile. Thank them for their help.
⬛ If someone approaches you, do not get nervous. Remember, they’re as new here as you are - they also need friends.
Be casual, and importantly, be yourself. Don’t make up a fake person who likes everything that the other person does, be proud of your choices and don’t hesitate to talk about them.
Nobody will hate you for liking Taylor Swift (I love her and I don’t care what others think) or for obsessing over space and stars.
⬛ If you see somebody wearing a shirt with your favourite band’s picture or a reference from your fandom, talk to them about it. Seriously, if I’m wearing something fandom related it’s mostly because I want other people in my fandom to find me.
Go initiate and conversation related to the band. You’ll both click instantly!
⬛ Best place to find new people is the cafeteria, so do not sit in the corner. Take a seat which is visible, so that people can sit next to you and probably talk.
⬛ Join a club, sports, books anything that you like! It’s an easy way to make friends - plus they’ll all have similar interests as you so conversations will flow easily.
You can find awesome people at the library too!
⬛ Be ready to help. If a student asks you for directions around the school - help them out.
And instead of just pointing, ask them to follow you - this will buy you more time to interact with them.
Some icebreakers for preventing awkward silences and embarrassing moments :
◼ What’s your favourite song/singer? (music can get people together really)
◼ Who’s your favourite actor/actress?
◼ Are you good at math?
(if they say yes ask for their help because you’re weak at it, if they say they suck at math you should tell them that you suck too and offer to study together)
◼ I love your earrings /shoes /any accessory!
◼ Pizza? (I’ll befriend you in a second)
◼ Can you show me around a bit? I’m new here.
◼ Hi, what’s your name? I’m Y/N.
(See what I did there anyone?)
◼ Do you play [your favourite sport/any instrument]?
◼ Hey, what do you think about [current event]?
Just don’t fold your hands when talking, because it’ll make you look like you’re not interested in the conversation.
Stand with a little distance between your feet as it shows you’re confident.
Eye contact. If you just can’t look someone in their eye, try to determine the colour of their eyes - the trick always works. (I tried this once and my friend thought I was lost in her eyes romantically so be careful!)
Smile. It won’t kill you.
That’s it, use these tips and make friends irl!! If you need a friend, I’m always here - feel free to drop by a message letting me know how are you doing!!