How to meet other introverts
7 Best Apps for Introverts to Date and Find Friends
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Are you an introvert looking for ways to meet new people and create connections?
Being an introvert doesn’t mean that you hate people. It also doesn’t mean having no interest in making friends or finding a special person to share sweet moments with. Introverts, on a very deep level, find joy in being with other individuals—but with only a few.
What introverts don’t like is having to hang out with a bunch of individuals they can’t relate to. For them, it becomes a nuisance to have to pretend that they want to talk when they really don’t want to.
That’s what makes the whole process of making new friends difficult—it’s hard to find people who have the same interests as you, and who will understand that you are simply an introvert.
We want to help all the introverts out there solve this dilemma. In this article, we’ve gathered the seven best apps for introverts to help them find friends or start romantic relationships. We’ve carefully selected and researched these apps, so you can rest assured that they are safe.
Let’s check them out!
What You Will Learn
- 1. Birdy: The Personality Matching App
- 2. BarkHappy
- 3. Nextdoor
- 4. Meetup
- 5. Coffee Meets Bagel
- 6. Workfrom
- 7. Anomo
- Conclusion
1. Birdy: The Personality Matching App
For iOS | For Android
Birdy: The Personality Matching App is more than just a friends app or a dating app—it is a personality matching app that connects people via compatibility. Juliette Swann, the founder of Birdy, aims to create a space for people where personality is far more important than physical appearance.
You begin by taking an assessment to determine what your MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) personality type is. This is not the actual assessment that psychologists use, but it still shows which of the 16 MBTIs you are most closely related to. After that, the app works through its algorithms and matches you with people who have personalities that complement yours.
What is rather unique about this friend and dating app is that it does not show your profile pictures before you match. The goal is to find your counterpart without basing the selection on profile pictures. Photos are only revealed once a user has liked another user’s personality story and the other person likes them back.
Unlike other apps where anyone can connect with you regardless of your choice, this app allows you to only connect with those who the app finds compatible with you.
2. BarkHappy
For iOS | For Android
BarkHappy is an app for introverts who are also dog-owners.
Here, you can meet new people who have the same level of care and love for dogs and who are willing to spend time and effort to make their pets happy.
The app offers several features, including a search tool for dog-friendly places (e.g., restaurants, stores, parks, etc.), a platform for hosting dog-friendly events, and a place where you can post lost-and-found alerts. In the lost-and-found section you can alert others within your area and post photos and important information so that they can help you find your lost dog.
What’s interesting about this app are the exclusive offers that it offers to dog owners. These offers are special deals that are only available to BarkHappy users, and include products and features especially for your pup. You can meet new friends and take care of your dog’s needs at the same time!
3. Nextdoor
For iOS | For Android
Nextdoor is like a private social media for your local town. It serves as a central hub for all the news, updates, and events happening within your vicinity.
You can even search for recommendations and services like restaurants, massage therapists, yard sales, etc.
This friends app was founded by Jenny Mayfield, whose goal was to create a safe and secure virtual space among members of the same community. Nextdoor is exclusive, so only you and your neighbors can become members or users of the app. In fact, the whole interface features a rigorous verification process before a community accepts you as a user.
If you are an introvert who wants to connect with people, but not on a very wide scale, then you might try out this neighborhood app. It doesn’t just allow you to make friends or meet new people, but also serves as a local one-stop shop where you can find most of the services you need.
4. Meetup
For iOS | For Android
The magic of Meetup is that you just need to select your city and the things that interest you, and you’ll immediately find people to do those things with. There are a ton of categories that this app covers, so it is easy to search for people who share the same passion for hobbies as you.
Meetup also allows its users to join groups and attend events. The app is location-based, so you won’t have a hard time finding people who are within your area.
The app offers several different categories when it comes to hobbies and interests, so introverts can choose activities that only involve a few people. For instance, you could join a book club or a writers club.
5. Coffee Meets Bagel
For iOS | For Android
Coffee Meets Bagel is a perfect dating app for introverts. Instead of getting bombarded with possible matches every other second, you only get one match per day. Moreover, the app helps you get closer to your match, so you don’t need to put in much time and effort just to get a date.
The app sends you one potential match every day, and doesn’t require you to respond right away. If you don’t like the match, you can simply do nothing. If you do like the match, however, you can like that person back and start a chat right away.
The app then facilitates a first date between the two of you.
Coffee Meets Bagel was built to help people create meaningful and long-lasting relationships. It aims to spark a connection between individuals who wish to find love and friendship in the most authentic way.
6. Workfrom
For iOS | For Android
Workfrom is part of a relatively new trend that supports online co-working spaces and virtual cafés. It aims to provide the feeling of working in a coffee shop, even if you are in the comfort of your own home. It also provides a chance for entrepreneurs to create branded virtual cafés where people can enjoy a whole new style of working experience.
We understand that being introverted means that you probably like working alone. This might not mean that you literally hate having workmates, but you are likely more of an independent worker rather than a team player. You are at your best when you are undisturbed and no one is around.
If this is the case, you might want to try Workfrom.
With this app, you still get to see people, but you don’t have to get involved with them. You can get your work done while not being pressured to interact with everyone.
7. Anomo
For iOS | For Android
Based on the word “anonymous,” Anomo is a great dating app for introverts. Members start out as anonymous date-seekers, and are able to enjoy their anonymity until they find someone who’s a match and decide to reveal their identity.
All things at Anomo are private and casual in the beginning. You connect with other users through common interests, and can then start interacting with them through games, chats, and other anonymous modes of communication.
Once you feel confident and comfortable about your match, you can reveal your face and personal information. Your details are locked, so you can be sure that they are completely hidden until you decide to show them.
Anomo has an easy-to-navigate interface that makes it easy to use.
Regardless of your gender, age, or personality type, everyone is welcome to enjoy its features with complete privacy.
Just because you are introverted doesn’t mean that making new friends or finding a date should be a difficult task. Who knows—somewhere in these apps, someone like you who is also an introvert might be waiting to become your best friend or partner.
We hope that these apps can help you in your attempt to create long-lasting relationships. It doesn’t hurt to try one or two out. If you don’t feel comfortable, you can always uninstall.
How To Meet Other Introverts | 6 Practical Tips
Meeting new people is always challenging for introverts. Due to their shy and reserved nature, they mostly struggle with the dilemma of how to meet other introverts. However, it is not like they don’t want to meet new people. I mean, who doesn’t want quality relationships in their life? It is just when it comes to meeting new people; introverts have different mechanisms and expectations than extroverts.
There are a few ways that introverts can meet other introverts. One way is to attend introverted-focused events or groups. Another way is to use online services or social media platforms that cater to introverts. Finally, introverts can look for introverted friends through mutual acquaintances or friends of friends.
How could Introverts meet new people?
Matches are made in heaven, but introverts would want the love of their life to teleport to their living room with flowers and snacks, of course! If you’re an introvert craving some human connection and looking forward to meeting new people, here are a few tips you can follow:
1. Let your Family and Friends take the reins of your social life (sometimes)
One of the most traditional ways to meet new people is through family dinners or gatherings for introverts which they care to attend sometimes. So, when a family member calls you to attend a birthday party, you might want to consider accepting the offer.
You may find another introvert in a socially awkward situation who you might save and have a new friend for life.
Another way introverts can meet new people is through their extrovert friends. For an extrovert trying to help their introverted friends, you could ask other friends to bring along an introverted individual. A supportive environment with a gentle nudge could prove enough for a couple of introverts to overcome their barrier of self-containment. If you have an extrovert friend, they’re probably going to tag you along to the parties, and if you are in the mood to meet other introverts, that could be your chance to find that special someone.
2. Volunteer activities
Being part of the process that gives back to society is often one of the best ways to feel connected with the peace within your inner self. If you love to do charity work, joining some volunteer activities increases your exposure to the outer world. You could join an organization conducting volunteer activities or participate in group volunteer projects.
It would be a good way to interact with people who share the same vision as yours. Maybe you’ll meet like-minded people and hit it off with someone!
3. Leave the notion of “what’s next?”
What now? That is what one should be focusing on, the present. Being in the moment frees you of the impending doom that comes with thoughts of the future and crippling regrets that fill the void of the past. If you were not able to talk to someone at that one particular time or said something unwanted, let it not impose on your thoughts or emotions. Rather, it should become a driving factor towards improvement for the next time when such a moment arrives.
Introverts tend to over-evaluate situations, especially interaction with new individuals often makes them worry about where this relationship is going. A piece of advice to the overthinking introverts would be not to go frenzy when someone is getting close to you. Give it some time and let the time unfolds how that relationship is going to be evolved.
That calm composure and going along with the flow will help you better focus on developing a nurturing bond, and there you may get your soulmate for life!
4. Online platforms for introverts
Social media is the best way for introverts to interact with other people without leaving the comfort of their personal space. There are introverts who spend most of their free time conversing with people online or looking at their posts and what they share. There are tons of websites for introverts to meet other introverts where they can interact and find each other relatable without any judgment.
Some of the popular groups and platforms that introverts can use are
- Reddit community for introverts
- Facebook group for all the quiets ones
- Linked groups for introverts
- Meetup site for introverts
- SilentBookClub website
Also, there are multiple online dating websites curated especially for introverts who couldn’t muster up the courage in a social setting to approach someone.
These websites are introvert heavens, and you might find someone with the same frequency and vibes as yours.
5. College/ University/ Workplace
The academic setting is the best place for introverts to meet other people, albeit somewhat forcefully. Often times you are required to submit assignments and projects in collaboration with other class fellows or participate in group study. For introverts making acquaintances in such an environment proves easier because there is a matter of mutual trust when grades are on the line. Try to interact with the class fellow who’s showing interest in talking to you instead of running home as soon as class ends, and you might make a long-lasting bond with them..
6. Being part of a community
Good community, good people, help you get your act together, take care of you, and enhance the circle of life. As introverts usually avoid social parties and going to clubs where there are high chances of finding new people, they can join certain introvert-friendly communities.
There could be a community near you that organizes poems or book recitals weekly. You could attend them and find other introverts like you. Or you could join an art class where most people express their inner worlds through their art, and you may find your art/soul buddy.
You may also check Making Friends As An Introvert to learn more about how you can make friends. Introverted Intuition is also something that make spike your interest.
What qualities of introverts make it difficult for them to meet new people?
Due to varying personality attributes, introverted people find it difficult to meet and find people as compared to extroverts. These qualities could be elaborated as:
1. Shy Nature
Their shy and reserved nature makes it difficult for them to interact with new people and build new friendships as smoothly as extroverts. Lack of self confidence also plays a big role.
2. Lack of Initiative
People with an introverted nature rarely take the initiative to start a conversation with a stranger or to socialize in gatherings which creates a hindrance for them to meeting new people.
3. Having different expectations
Another reason why introverts find it troublesome to make new friends is that they have different expectations from people. The idea of making small talk doesn’t resonate with them so much, as much as the deep talks excite them. Where most people would be indulging in gossiping, introverts would love to talk about their ideas, inner world, emotions, perspectives on life experiences and whatnot!
4. Need for a deeper connection
As introverted personalities are mostly empaths in nature, they like to connect with people on another level. Instead of talking randomly with multiple acquaintances, they’d like to have deep conversations with their two to three best friends, and they’ll feel fulfilled. Most Introverts have best friends from school or college time, and they don’t feel it necessary to make new ones. Their preference for closely-knit friends makes it difficult for them to make new friends or meet new people.
5. Socializing can be draining
Another big reason why introverts have a hard time finding new people is that social situations drain them quickly. After socializing for a certain period of time, introverts need to recharge their social batteries to gain their strengths again.
6. Solitude
Due to the above-mentioned reasons, most introverts like to spend their time in their solitude because it doesn’t require them to get out of their comfort zone, let alone explain their expectations.
But as life transitions, they might feel the need to meet new people, build new connections and form healthy bonds with others.
Introvert qualities that attracts other people towards them
Even though introverts are misinterpreted as socially anxious people, they possess certain qualities which make them attractive and irresistible, attracting other people to their charisma.
1. Composed attitude
Along with their reserved nature, introverts are mostly calm and composed in their nature.
They behave and cater to things and situations quite gently. It is their composed and gentle aura that captivates others. You would find most introverts as soft-spoken people who rarely lose their cool in public situations, even in difficult scenarios. Their characteristic of calmness is what intrigues people and attracts others to them.
2. Reflective and self-aware
Introverts are quite aware of their own selves and possess a character of insight. Most of the time, they’re attuned to their emotions. Their emotional intelligence makes them more deliberate in engaging with other people. Introverts possess an inquisitive nature which makes them explore the situations and people around them more deeply. Their deep-rooted conversations and ability to create more meaningful bonds create an impact on people, and they crave more of their presence.
3. Enjoying their own company/ Maintaining a curious personality
It’s human nature to be curious about what’s not known.
Who isn’t attracted to a loner? People want to explore the mystery of the unknown, and introverts maintain a curious personality that appeals to other people. You cannot gauge what an introvert is thinking or what’s going on inside their minds, which makes them more intriguing. They hardly spill any beans about their inner thought processes, which leads people to inquire more about them, and they would want to know more about introverts.
It’s a general misconception that introverts are boring or not as exciting people as extroverts. Once you get close to introverts and seek their inner world, you’ll find them to be the most amazing and interesting personalities.
4. Good listeners and empaths
We all want an ear to listen to and a shoulder to cry on! Most of the time, people like to talk and rarely listen to others. In contrast, introverts possess the qualities of active listeners. You can rant to them about anything, and they’ll be all ears, listening to you intently, which makes them more attractive to other people.
Introverts are gifted with the qualities of empathy and compassion. They’ll understand the deep-lying emotions from the conversations, which makes people want to engage more with them. People feel heard and understood while talking to them, and that creates an attraction toward introverts.
5. Care about other people’s needs
When it comes to catering to others’ needs, introverts are quite exceptional at that. As they are compassionate and caring, introverts are always considerate about what other people need. Do you know a friend who comes up with a coffee whenever you have a deadline to meet? Or always brings you your comfort food when you’re distressed? Have you met a stranger on a bus who gave you his seat just because you were carrying a baby? That might be an introvert caring for your need without you even saying it. Their compassionate and tender nature is what makes them more attractive and irresistible.
Conclusion
Introverts usually find it difficult to meet new people due to their shy and reserved nature.
But putting a little effort and getting a bit out of their comfort zone could pave the ways for them to meet other introverts who are just waiting like them to be seen and heard. And who knows, following these tips might get you the dream partner you’ve always been yearning for!
Let us know in the comments which tips were helpful for you, and you’re surely going to try them.
Hadiqa
Hadiqa Fatima is a clinical psychologist and content writer. She’s been working in field for 3 years and possess a great deal of interest in personality studies. She’s also creating psychological awareness via her content.
How to make friends with others if you are a modest introvert
April 29 Relationship
Advice from psychologists will help you achieve your goal and not suffer.
1. Be yourself
Introverts need solitude and should not refuse it. It's okay if you don't want to be around other people all the time. Therefore, before looking for new friends, ask yourself, do you really need it? Maybe you just think that you should have more acquaintances - like everyone else? Or maybe you have imposed this point of view? nine0003
But if you really want to expand your social circle, first determine what kind of people you want to see next to you.
Usually the most comfortable is with those who share your interests and outlook on life.
Therefore, you should focus on what fascinates you, find people with similar hobbies and let new acquaintances get to know themselves better, fall in love with who you really are.
2. Change not yourself, but your behavior
Personality traits are not easy to change, but you can sometimes try to behave differently. Psychologists have found that more extroverted behavior can have a positive effect on a person's well-being. nine0003
Try to have a quick word with a colleague in the office kitchen, accept an invitation to a party, leave a comment in a community on a social network. Track how you feel when you do unusual things. If you're uncomfortable, don't force yourself.
3. Don't be afraid that people won't like you right away
We often try to make a good first impression on people, we're afraid of disappointing them, and we think they might dislike us.
But you don't have to worry about it. Experts from various US universities have proven that after meeting people like you much more than you think. nine0003
4. Say hello to people first
The advice may seem banal, but humble introverts are often embarrassed to say "hello" or look people in the eye. But it is these simple actions that show people that you are friendly. Therefore, do not be afraid to be the first to wave to someone and smile.
5. Use friendly body language
To gain self-confidence and improve interaction with people, try to show with your body that you are open to communication, advises Vanessa Van Edwards, writer, founder of The Science of People Lab, which studies human behavior. nine0003
Do not cross your arms over your chest as if in defense, keep your back straight. Smile and nod to encourage the other person and encourage them to continue the story.
6. Give yourself time
We only show ourselves as real when we feel comfortable with someone.
But this takes time. And if you're uncomfortable with new friends at first, don't beat yourself up, says writer Jenn Granneman. The more time you spend with them, the more comfortable you will feel.
7. Be interested in people, ask questions
When we meet new people, we have to talk about ourselves, and every introvert is afraid of this. But the conversation doesn't have to be about you.
Jenn Granneman
Author of the book The Secret Life of Introverts. The art of survival in the "loud" world of extroverts.
Introverts have a superpower: to listen. So get the other person talking by asking them questions.
People love to talk about themselves and what they think. Give them a chance and occasionally answer their questions. nine0003
8. Use your strengths
Other people may like your character traits, behaviors, skills. Use it.
Study yourself, find out what you are good at. For example, you can be a great listener, compassionate and empathetic person, and your friends can count on your support and ability to keep secrets.
Your unique qualities may appeal to another introvert who recognizes you as a kindred spirit, or may complement the opposite traits of an extrovert. nine0003
9. Don't be afraid to try new things
If your current hobbies don't help you expand your social circle, look for new hobbies. You can start with what you have always been interested in: signing up for a dance class or a tour of your hometown, volunteering or participating in social events.
You don't need to talk to anyone for the first time if you feel uncomfortable. But if you like it, you can keep going to events and keep in touch with someone you've already met there. nine0003
We are often drawn to people with similar values and experiences, but don't be afraid to meet people who are different from you. Communication with them will help expand your horizons or even change your outlook on the world.
10. Look at people you already know
You don't have to look for friends among strangers.
The author of books about introverts, Sophia Dembling, suggests paying attention to others: one of them may turn out to be an interesting person with similar hobbies and outlooks on life. nine0003
Maybe your colleague loves the same music as you and would love to accompany you to a concert. Or he reads just as much and is willing to share his collection of interesting books. Or maybe your former classmate is actually an interesting girl with whom you can talk about everything in the world? Look at people!
11. Be a little more persistent
If you want to make friends with someone, don't be afraid to take a risk and take the first step, write, start a conversation.
Sofia Dembling
Author of books about introverts.
What seems intrusive to you may seem friendly to others. Our sensitivity can work for us or against us. Don't be so sensitive as to be afraid to take risks. Be empathetic enough to know if it's worth stepping aside.
And do not be afraid of awkwardness in communication if it arises at first.
It does not characterize you or the other person in any way. It just happens at the beginning of a friendship. nine0003
12. Don't chase the number
Psychologists believe that it doesn't really matter how many friends you have. What matters is how they suit you. Because the quality of relationships with people directly affects the feeling of happiness and satisfaction with life.
It may be enough for you to have a strong relationship with your family and one friend, get along with your colleagues and, if necessary, maintain a polite conversation. And if you're comfortable with that, fine. In the end, it's better to have one but a good friend than to gather a crowd of acquaintances for whom you have neither time nor energy. nine0003
13. Practice communication, but don't overdo it
To improve your ability to interact with other people, communicate with them. However, you do not need to be socially active all the time. Don't spend too much time with your friends if it causes you stress.
14. Dive into a friendship routine
Many introverts love routine, so don't be afraid to ask friends to meet once a week at a specific time. For example, to dine on Saturday at your favorite restaurant or take a walk in the park on Tuesday after work. nine0003
Jenn Granneman
Author of The Secret Life of Introverts. The art of survival in the "loud" world of extroverts.
When we know what to expect, we feel more comfortable and use less energy. In addition, this way you won't have to come up with something new and interesting every time you get together.
15. Don't be upset if the friendship doesn't work out
It also happens that some relationships just don't work out, and that's okay. Sophia Dembling says: when friendship fails, there are no losers. Therefore, give up self-flagellation and continue the search for your man. nine0003
Read also 🧐
- 25 things only introverts will understand
- How to be most productive if you are an introvert, extrovert or ambivert0111 How to lead a team if you are an introvert
Academy | How to learn to meet people who hate to meet
A practical guide for introverts and other shy people
(Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected)
Devora Zach
Berrett-Koehler Publishers © 2010
The author of the book describes herself as “an introvert to the core”.
She prefers solitude to the bustle of the collective, and to the noise of nightclubs and parties - an environment conducive to calm reflection. She is not drawn to socializing with colleagues after a hard day's work. Nevertheless, Devora Zach is an expert in making acquaintances: under her guidance, introverts not only learn to establish business and personal contacts, but also begin to have a keen interest in this process. Whether the techniques and recommendations described in the book will help you will depend on how pronounced an introvert you are. nine0129
Introverts and extroverts
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introverts tend to be thoughtful, focused, and self-reliant, while extroverts tend to be outgoing and open-minded people who enjoy the company of others. There are many misconceptions about these two opposing personality types. For example, introverts are credited with qualities such as unfriendliness, sullenness, and isolation. Another persistent mass delusion is the idea that introverts are supposedly too shy, while extroverts, on the contrary, easily converge with people.
Being an introvert doesn't mean you don't like dating. Learn to enjoy this process. To do this, you need to develop the skills of preparation for a conversation, in-depth attention and dosed communication. Establishing an emotional connection with another person is the main condition for a successful acquaintance. These three skills are of particular importance for introverts, since it is this type that most often has the psychological qualities that help to get along with strangers. nine0003
• Preparing.
Introverts first think and then speak. They tend to think things over carefully, they need time to gather their thoughts. The attention of an introvert is directed to their own experiences, and not to what is happening around. Before doing anything, introverts should prepare well: build tactics of behavior, think over options for their actions and set clear goals. These features of behavior help to successfully make acquaintances.
• Deep attention. Introverts prefer to focus deeply on what they are doing. They are picky about what to spend their time on. It is important for introverts to understand who or what they are dealing with. For example, being present at a conference, an introvert will not communicate with everyone in a row. Instead, he will focus on one or two interlocutors and try to get to know them as best as possible. This attitude to communication facilitates the establishment of strong contacts.
• Dosing communication.
nine0133 The attention of extroverts is directed to the outside world and the people around them, while introverts are most interested in their own experiences. By attending collective events, introverts get to know and communicate with people of interest to them, then take a break in order to resume communication with fresh forces after some time. This tactic is ideal for successful dating.
The main obstacle to communication
A special psycho-physiological reflex called “fight or flight” most often prevents us from successfully making acquaintances. It was developed by primitive people as a defensive reaction to an unexpected encounter with predatory animals. This mechanism instantly turned on in extreme situations, and thanks to it, our ancestors saved their lives. Today we live in completely different conditions, but the “fight or flight” response can work for a modern person in any situation that is unfamiliar to him - for example, when attending social events.
nine0003
At such moments, breathing quickens, and blood drains from the brain and rushes to the arms and legs, so that a person has time to fight back an attacker or flee. Such drastic physiological changes are inevitably reflected in behavior. In a state of fear, people are tense, anxious, and unable to think clearly. It is for this reason that many of us do not like to attend conferences or other events with large numbers of strangers.
To turn off the fight-or-flight response, start breathing deeply and evenly - this will increase blood circulation and help you calm down. The panic will subside and you will regain the ability to think clearly. Use this technique whenever you feel uncomfortable talking to others. nine0003
Lessons from extroverts
Extroverts have their own dating methods. Introverts can learn valuable lessons by observing their behavior, but often doing the opposite. The strength of extroverts is their ability to conquer others with their wit, and introverts - the ability to make interesting observations.
Most often, extroverts meet new people using the following methods:
• Ease of networking. In an unfamiliar company, it is not difficult for extroverts to introduce themselves and seize the initiative in a conversation. Introverts, on the other hand, prefer to silently observe others. Use this tactic when attending group events. Pay close attention to the people around you and listen to what they have to say. Later, you can use the collected information to establish communication with these people. nine0003
• Self-promotion. Extroverts, unlike introverts, like to be the center of attention. However, instead of talking about yourself all the time, as extroverts often do, ask those around you interesting questions, engaging them in meaningful conversation.
• Constant communication. Extroverts love to be in the company of other people and use every opportunity to socialize. Introverts, on the other hand, prefer solitude to noisy society. Keep this in mind when planning your visit to any event.
Take as much time as you need to meet new people so you don't feel uncomfortable. nine0003
Relaxation techniques
There are other ways for introverts to make meeting new people easier. For example, pre-registering for a public event can help you feel more confident. A ready-made name badge will save you from the awkwardness associated with the need to inscribe it with your own hands. If you have a group event in the evening, finish work early so that you have time to relieve mental stress. Ask a friend or acquaintance to keep you company and try to arrive at the place a little earlier than the appointed time. nine0003
Before entering the room where the event will take place, pause at the mirror and make sure that everything is in order with your appearance. If you have to line up at the bar or at the printed material tables, try starting a conversation with those in front of you or behind you. Be friendly and open with everyone. Stop thinking about yourself for a while and pay attention to those around you.
Periodically retire somewhere to retire and recuperate. Prepare “exit routes” in advance so that you can leave the event at any time. nine0003
The golden rule of dating
The golden rule of successful dating is: Treat others the way they would like to be treated. Develop a sensitivity to the interests and communication style of other people. Find out what they are, what they like and what they don't. Be ready to adapt to the interlocutors, even if it means behaving in a manner unusual for you. Don't lock yourself in. Make strangers feel comfortable in your presence, and then start adjusting to their mood and behavior. All this will require a certain concentration of attention, and thanks to this you will think less about your experiences, stop carefully weighing every word and feel more comfortable. People around are drawn to a person who knows how to easily get to know each other. nine0003
Choosing the right format for the event
Even if you don't like the process of making friends, there are certain forms of group activity that you may not be put off by.
In particular, public events of a certain format that have clear goals, such as lectures, professional seminars, various training courses, meetings of public organizations, and so on, open up excellent opportunities for meeting new people. Many people often make the most useful acquaintances at such events. nine0003
Find out for yourself which forms of collective activity appeal to you and why. Then consider which of these activities are suitable for making acquaintances. Start visiting them, clearly understanding the purpose for which you are doing this. For example, if you are an electrical network specialist, find a community or club of people working in this field. Attend their meeting and, if you like it, consider becoming one of the leaders of this community.
Smile and the world will smile back at you
Smiling is one of the simplest and most effective ways to win people over. When you smile, you exude self-confidence. A smile encourages not only the person himself, but also everyone who surrounds him.
This simple non-verbal gesture does not oblige you to be the first to start a conversation with strangers. Many people believe that introverts are unsociable and introverted. Smile more often, and then they may change their views and reach out to you themselves. By smiling, you begin to feel better about yourself, because our actions control our mood. nine0003
This advice may not be to your liking. It is possible that you will feel like a hypocrite, smiling at everyone, or it may seem to you that smiling does not suit you. However, remember that your ability to smile depends on how successful you will make acquaintances. Smiling is one of the most effective communication techniques that requires almost no effort to apply.
Preparation
The better prepared you are for the social event, the more comfortable you will feel and the more successful you will be in networking. First of all, consider the question of what you will tell about yourself. List by points what information about your professional experience and personal life you are ready to share with your interlocutors.
Make sure the information is concise, easy to understand, interesting, personal, and doesn't sound like a boast. When chatting with someone, look for topics or interests that connect you with that person. nine0003
Be prepared to talk about what you do, where you work, what you like
about your profession, what are your professional achievements. When it comes to personal information, you can tell others about your interests, hobbies, family members, where you come from, what you are proud of, and what your life goals are. Write this information down on paper and practice saying it out loud in front of a family member or friend. So you will learn how to convincingly talk about yourself even in a completely unfamiliar company. nine0003
How to organize an event that is comfortable for introverts
How to ensure that introverts do not feel uncomfortable participating in a social event? For starters, don't let extrovert organizers take over during the pre-planning phase.
To prevent this from happening, hand out paper and pens to the organizers and ask them to write down all their ideas for the event program. This way you will be able to keep the discussion under control. If you allow the audience to lead the discussion out loud, extroverts will quickly take the initiative. nine0003
To make the event exciting, make sure that the name cards marking the places of the participants at the table contain interesting information about them, for example: “speaks three languages” or “golf master”. Place multi-colored markers next to the name cards and invite the participants to draw some symbolic drawing on the cards that characterizes them as a person. This will make it easier for those present to get to know each other.
An introvert who wants to learn how to make friends needs to set specific and constructive goals for himself. For example, this goal might sound like this: “In the next six months, I will participate in at least two social events.” Make sure that the achievement of the intended goals occurs strictly in accordance with the planned deadlines.
