Dear Jasmine,
I took your advice on not concentrating so much on my friends popularity and I am just trying to make friends, but I don’t really know how to make new friends. I just can’t get over when I am talking to someone new that they think I am weird or something and then I get shy and kind of stop talking because I think I am boring when they don’t talk either. I took someone else’s advice to just be yourself and not talk too much but enough to keep a conversation rolling.
The thing is that I can’t try that advice out because no one wants to talk and I don’t know how to just randomly start one. I mean I see all my friends talk to people they just met like they’ve known them forever but when I do that, then I get kind of nervous and uncomfortable. I don’t know how to break through that barrier. Anything good for that?
Mike
Las Vegas, NV
Dear Mike,
The problem can be how your meeting these people. For many people it is hard to strike up a conversation with a stranger, especially when you know absolutely nothing about this person. I think an ideal situation for you would be to start getting involved with school activities that you enjoy, like clubs or sports. Then the people you do meet, you will have at least an idea of what they enjoy doing and that could be a conversation starter for you.
Just remember not everyone can start up a conversation with a stranger and I think a major problem is you comparing yourself to your friends. Don’t force it or make it a chore to make friends. Let it come naturally because people will come in and out of your life throughout your life, and only a few will remain your friends, so enjoy the journey.
Always here,
Jasmine
