Anxious when meeting new people?
Tips for meeting new people and overcoming what might be social anxiety.
Meeting new people can be exciting, but for many, it can also bring a sense of anxiety. A recent client had similar worries, making me think a lot about this and felt it was worth sharing with others. Whether you're at a social gathering, a networking event, or even in a new work environment, the thought of introducing yourself to strangers can seem intimidating. You're not alone! Many people experience similar feelings, and with a little practice and some strategies, you can overcome the anxiety and enjoy the process of connecting with others.
Here’s ten tips to help you meet new people and conquer the nerves that often accompany these situations
1. Acknowledge Your Anxiety
It’s completely normal to feel anxious when meeting new people. Instead of trying to avoid or suppress these feelings, acknowledge them. Recognize that your anxiety is a natural response to moving outside of your comfort zone. By accepting these emotions, you take away some of their power and begin to feel more in control.
2. Begin with Casual Interactions
You don’t have to dive into deep conversations right away. Start with small, casual interactions to ease yourself in. This might mean making small talk with a colleague, talking to a fellow attendee at a conference, or even just giving someone a friendly smile. The more you practice these low pressure interactions, the more comfortable you'll become.
3. Shift Your Focus from Yourself to the Other Person
Often, social anxiety stems from worrying about how others perceive us. A helpful shift is to focus your attention on the other person. Instead of stressing about how you’re coming across, think about asking questions and genuinely learning about the other person’s experiences, interests, and perspectives. This takes the pressure off you and opens up space for a more natural conversation.
4. Prepare a Few Conversation Starters
Sometimes, the hardest part is knowing what to say. It’s helpful to have a few simple conversation starters in your back pocket to help break the ice. You can talk about the setting, compliment someone’s outfit, or ask about something you both have in common (like the event you’re at). Even something as simple as "How's your day going?" can spark a conversation.
5. Practice Active Listening
We all like to feel heard. When you're meeting someone new, try to focus on being an active listener. This means nodding, making eye contact, and responding thoughtfully to what the other person is saying is an excellent way to build rapport without having to put all the focus on yourself. The more you practice active listening, the easier it becomes to engage in conversations with anyone
6. Positive Body Language
Your body language will have an impact on how others perceive you and how you are feeling too. When you’re feeling anxious, it’s easy to close yourself off by crossing your arms or avoiding eye contact. Instead, try to relax your body posture, smile, and maintain an open stance. This can help you feel more approachable and confident, which, in turn, will make the people around you feel more comfortable too.
7. Challenge Negative Thoughts
Anxiety often comes from negative thoughts, such as "What if they don’t like me?" or "I have nothing interesting to say." These thoughts can be paralyzing, but they are mostly inaccurate. Challenge these thoughts by reminding yourself of times when you’ve connected with people in the past, or when you've made a good impression without even realizing it. Replace those negative thoughts with affirmations that focus on your strengths and the possibilities of new connections. I always bang on about positive affirmations!
8. Set Realistic Expectations
Not every interaction will result in a deep or lasting connection, and that’s okay. The goal is not to put too much pressure on yourself to make every new meeting a success. It’s about enjoying the process, learning about others, and being open to new experiences. Give yourself permission to have casual conversations and recognize that building relationships takes time.
9. Practice Self-Care After Social Interactions
Meeting new people can be draining, especially if you're prone to anxiety. Afterward, it’s important to take time for yourself to recharge. This might mean going for a walk, journaling, or engaging in a relaxing activity that helps you regain your energy. The more you care for your well-being, the more confident you'll feel the next time you step into a social situation.
10. Keep Practicing
Like any skill, the more you practice meeting new people and stepping out of your comfort zone, the easier it becomes. Over time, your anxiety will lessen as you gain more experience and confidence in social settings. Don’t be too hard on yourself if it feels challenging at first, growth comes from consistent effort.
Remember……
Social anxiety is something many of us face when meeting new people, but it doesn’t have to hold us back. By acknowledging your feelings, using simple strategies to engage with others, and practicing positive self-talk, you can overcome those nerves and start building meaningful connections. Remember, everyone feels anxious sometimes, you’re not alone in this.
Start small, be kind to yourself, and soon you’ll find that meeting new people can be a rewarding experience, full of opportunities to grow and learn from others.
You can research some positive affirmations
Learn how to journal your emotions and feelings
Learn some breathing techniques to practice being calm
Look after your self