Whether you’re trying to make a new friend or a new connection, you want to be as likable as possible. But being silly can be the quickest way to sabotage that goal!
Here are a few tips to help you avoid being silly when you meet a new person. You’ll be able to enjoy your conversation and connect with the other person more easily!
1. Be friendly
Meeting new people can be difficult, especially if you’re not already outgoing. A mix of anxiety, social politeness and a fear of rejection can keep you from taking the first step.
Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be the case. You can meet people in many different ways, such as classes, work, mutual friends, organizations, bars and even the grocery store!
Be friendly and make sure you smile more often. This will help you feel more confident in yourself and make people see you as friendlier.
2. Don’t be abrasive
There are some things you shouldn’t say or do when meeting a new person. Those include abrasive language, crossing boundaries, and saying things that are unkind or inappropriate.
Abrasive people are hard to work with because they are often aggressive and condescending. They don’t consciously realize how their behavior affects others.
These behaviors can cause a lot of stress and tension, which can have negative impacts on productivity. So if your boss is an abrasive manager, you might want to talk to him about what you can do to help him change his attitude.
3. Keep your emotions in check
When you’re meeting a new person, it’s important to keep your emotions in check. Negative emotions can easily get out of hand if you don’t know how to regulate them properly.
Instead of letting these feelings get the best of you, try taking a few deep breaths and refocusing your thoughts. This can help you calm down, reduce your heart rate, and improve your ability to think clearly.
A few minutes of this can be a good way to get you back on track. It’s also a good reminder that you don’t have to let negative emotions control your life.
4. Don’t overanalyze
One of the biggest reasons people become silly is because they overanalyze everything. Overthinking is a bad habit that can lead to anxiety and depression.
Some people tend to overthink a lot because of trauma they suffered in the past or stress they’ve experienced in the present. This can lead to negative thoughts and feelings.
Luckily, there are ways to cut down on this behavior. For example, try smart breathing techniques to calm your emotions. Or, meditate to focus on the present. You can also use distractions to break your negative thought patterns.
Instead of trying to control your thoughts, just accept them as they come and go. Life isn’t always perfect, and you can only change the things that are out of your control. Changing your mindset will help you learn to cope better with difficult situations and avoid negative thinking altogether.
If you find yourself having a negative thought about something that happened, or one that could happen in the future, ask yourself if it is helpful.
5. Don’t be afraid to laugh
Laughter is a powerful tool for improving your relationships, smoothing over differences, and reducing tension. It also can strengthen your resilience and help you weather adversity.
A good laugh can break the ice and get you started with your new friend. It will make you more comfortable talking to them and help you become a more natural social person.
But before you start sharing funny stories or jokes, take some time to consider your motives and the other person’s reaction. If you’re making mean-spirited jokes or teasing them, this can weaken the bond between you and hurt their feelings.