i have a great friend group, but sometimes its hard for me to branch out and meet new people. it seems like everybody has their cliques, and don’t want to be bothered by anybody outside of it. that isnt how my people and i are, so maybe that’s an irrational thought. break the ice with a compliment? i’m not socially awkward, i’ll talk with anybody so that isn’t what i’m worried about. just hard to initiate it sometimes. i don’t think i’m the first young guy in the world to struggle with this, let me know what you all think. thanks.
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I get this. Sit down at a table at a party or something and people will naturally also come sit down at it. Then you can talk with people and then later once you get up and move about it won’t be awkward to talk with them again since you already have a basis. Then you talk to the people they are standing with and eventually you’ll talk with everyone at the party. That’s usually my go to
I literally just walk up to random people when I’m out and start talking. Sometimes I’ll start with a compliment, or I’ll pick up on an accent, or any other myriad of conversation starters. There isn’t really any definitive way of approaching people, you just need to feel the atmosphere, feel their vibe, and sorta go with it
Most people love to talk about themselves, showing an interest and asking questions will almost always build a rapport, you may not find common ground immediately but it’ll be there somewhere. To start, compliments are always good, take notice of what people are wearing, drinking, accents, jewellery, watches, hairstyle and you’ll find something positive to say I’m certain, compliment (if genuine of course) and build from there. Ask questions, take an interest… but just be genuine and you won’t go wrong… most people will always return a compliment too so that’s always nice 🙂
“WOTS YA NAME?!”
I normally approach the group and do the whole “Hey guys, room for one more?” Smile and just act casual. It’s worked the majority of times, and the times it hasn’t I’ve just responded with something along the lines of “No worries, y’all enjoy yourselves” and just move on to the new group.
I don’t. I seduce them with my awkwardness.
Honestly, find mutual hobbies and even better if those involved in the hobbies all acknowledge they are a bit broken.
I recently got random locals together as a DM for D&D by offering to teach new players and I am shocked by how well it has gone. A few small bumps, but everyone is kind & considerate. We have started hanging out outside of the game as well. All is going well.