Simple Exercise to Improve Social Skills without Talking to Anyone

Try taking a walk in a busy city and to just observe things. I recommend having another reason for taking the walk, i.e. you are on your way to do an errand or to see a museum or just to go review some flashcards by the river. Then just take a long walk and keep your eyes open. Do not allow yourself to get caught up in thoughts and try to stay 100% present, observing unusual little details that are hidden in plain sight.

Practice the following pattern:

1. Observation
2. Implication

The implication does not have to be reasonable or probable, it can be more of an accusation or even just an association. Depending on your personality the implication could be genuine or more ridiculous and farfetched. For example:

* That person is looking downwards -> They are thinking deeply about something.
* That pigeon is fatter than the others -> It might be a bully.
* That cat has a scratch wound -> It belongs to a cat gang.
* That person looks very comfortable in that chair -> He is a regular.
* That woman is wearing a very fuzzy brown sweater -> She reminds me of a bear.
* That man has a limp -> He does not enjoy long walks.
* That woman is walking very quickly -> She is late for an important meeting.
* That man is walking very slowly -> He just came from a relaxing massage.

After a while these observations and implications become very easy and even fun. Eventually you will notice something unusual about every person and situation you observe. When you start to enjoy this exercise, make sure to smile. If someone catches you observing them just smile and make eye contact.