Social Butterfly

The university wants to promote a comfortable nurturing environment for students.  Therefore, they throw together many planned events and spew flyers throughout the dorms and cafeterias encouraging people to come.  These events are a great opportunity to reach out and meet new people. 

Having the guts to walk up and talk to a complete stranger is intimidating to say the least, especially if it’s a hot guy and his group of friends.  You may feel awkward and nervous, but chances are everyone at the social feels the exact same way. 

Here are some tips to get the ball rolling and be the socialite of the event. 

Smile and mean it

Facial expressions are a way of communicating.  If you’re standing with your arms crossed and a scowl on your face chances are people won’t find you very approachable.  Nothing is more welcoming than a warm smile except a sincere happy smile.  Go to the event with a positive attitude and rid your mind of negative thoughts like, “what if no one talks to me,” “what if I don’t fit in?”  Get those thoughts out of here!  Instead, try to think about the positive aspects that could come out of the experience like meeting someone who enjoys the same sports as you, considering the same major, or someone with an interesting background.  When you think positive a smile is bound to curl up. 

Make eye contact

Making eye contact is very important when conversing.  It allows the person to know that they have your full attention, you are attentive, and care about what they have to say.  By looking someone in the eyes you also appear as more confident, which is attractive. If you are wearing sunglasses be sure to take them off when talking intently to someone.  It makes the conversation more personal.

Ask questions

If there is a single thing that everyone can talk about it is themselves.  Asking a person questions about themselves is an easy conversation starter.  It’s as simple as “where are you from?”  The next thing you know they may be telling you about their Aunt Ruth and their first pet.   Be sure to share your interests and hobbies.  If you find you have something in common suggest doing it together like playing a game of tennis, or checking out the surrounding city one day.   Don’t always wait for an invite, be assertive and dish out ideas and invitations to hang out.