I ask this because it’s super rare to have people initiate friendship with me, so I don’t initiate friendship with other people out of fear of making them uncomfortable. People tell me to just walk up and talk to people if I want to make more friends, but again, I don’t want to make people uncomfortable. I’m a 24yo female in college. I’d say I’m pretty attractive, I take care of myself (regular exercise and eating healthy), always dress nicely, wear decent makeup and I smile and say hi to people. The only social activities at my are Greek life related things, so please don’t suggest clubs to me as a way to make friends.
5 comments
You can walk up to people, but try to make it appropriate to the situation. Be careful approaching men though, even for innocent reasons, because they will often misinterpret it.
This does not apply to guys. Sorry, guys. Also not sorry.
Agree with the “appropriate to the situation” point.
Also, I’d comment on “walk up and talk to.” I know that’s a common, generic way to phrase this kind of thing, but speaking literally, I don’t think you will have a lot of luck with that. If you literally do this–walk up and talk–it can look a bit forced, and can kind of put the other person on the spot.
You always want to give the other person an “out” so they don’t feel forced to interact with you.
I think you might have more success if you make an overture to someone when you are both kind of there already–like at a bus stop, or waiting outside a classroom to go in. etc. etc. Then just make a casual comment. Something you have in common can be good–“this bus is *always* late” or “Prof. X is pretty crazy” etc.
Unfortunately, life is ruled by the Cult of Cool so you don’t want to look like you’re working too hard at this.
To directly answer your question, it *can* be weird to approach strangers, but it certainly doesn’t *have* to be. It’s all how you go about it. Good luck, and I admire your willingness to be pro-active about your situation. I have been doing that more lately, and it can be very satisfying.
Well, it’s a great topic to discuss with a random stranger! I’d say go for it. I’ve met a lot interesting people this way.
Yes its weird but its okay. People love weird. Enjoy yourself hun.
Here’s a thing , after 100 years no one is going to give a shit that that person (you) talked to that guy or girl who was an absolute stranger .