New Year’s resolutions to improve your social life
The current Covid-19 pandemic has caused most of us to be more isolated than ever before. As life has started to return to normal, we may be wondering how we can step out of our comfort zone and give our social lives a little boost.
Not all people are social butterflies, but socializing is an important aspect of human nature. Humans are naturally social beings, and socializing is critical to normal human development. Human beings crave connection and belonging. We need socialization to function fully.
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As we enter a new year, we may have many different goals and resolutions, whether it’s to lose 10 pounds, be more organized, or end a bad habit. These are all good resolutions and are often common ones. But, what about that social life mentioned above? Don’t start the new year without taking a look at your social life and deciding what you can do to improve it. Continue reading as we go through some tips that you can do this year to enhance your sociality.
Chatty Cathy
Have you ever been in a line at the grocery store or on a bus ride home, and a complete stranger decides to strike up a conversation with you? They may have seemed to be a person that could talk to anyone about anything.
This person may just have the right idea. While this may annoy some people, it could be a bright spot in someone else’s day. And, who knows—a situation like this may be the start of a beautiful friendship.
That’s the funny thing about friendships; they can begin in places you wouldn’t expect. The more people you talk to, the more chances you have to make a new friend. You may be surprised at the friendships you find or the people you hit it off with as you step out of your comfort zone and talk to people.
Sign Me Up
Another way to meet new people is to get involved, whether it’s joining a club, team, or class or signing up to volunteer in your community. Finding things that you enjoy and then signing up for those things will help you meet people who have similar interests. As you attend your meetings, classes, or practices, you’ll get to know the people in your group or team and find more things that you have in common. Finding common likes and interests is an excellent foundation for building a friendship.
Be-YOU-tiful
When you are trying to meet new people and make new friends, it can be easy to pretend to share the same interests, likes, and hobbies as those you are trying to become friends with. You may feel the need to say or do certain things or act a certain way to be accepted. But you can’t form real friendships this way.
You need to be brave and be yourself. Open up and let others see the real you. True friendships will come, and true friends will appreciate you and care about the things that matter to you. This may seem scary, but it will be worth it as you find friends and social groups that are perfect for you.
Give a Little
This tip is at the other end of the spectrum from the one above, and it may be fitting if you tend to have strong opinions and ideas. You may be tempted to get into the attitude of “it’s my way or the highway,” wanting everyone to do the things we want to do, but a good social life requires flexibility.
It can’t be your way all of the time. Your friends may not always want to do the same things you want to do, and you can’t expect them to. It would help if you were willing to do what your friends want to do sometimes.
Even though you will most likely have common interests with your friends, you are still unique individuals. Appreciate the differences between you and your friends and be willing to try new things. You may end up enjoying the activity, or maybe it won’t be your favorite thing. But, you still get to spend time with friends, and they will appreciate your taking the time to do something that they want to do.
You’ve Got A Friend In Me
If you already have some great friendships and want to strengthen them, here are some tips.
1. Communicate
Communication is vital in any relationship. In most relationships, we probably know whether we are the talker or the listener, but communication needs to be a two-way street. And, as a friend, you need to be able to listen more and talk less, empathize more, know when to give advice, be open and honest, and don’t be afraid to say I’m sorry or to forgive.
2. Be Their Cheerleader
Support your friends and celebrate their accomplishments and the milestones in their lives. Not everyone has close family relationships and could use the extra love of a good friend. When they get a promotion at work, send them a cookie care package; when it’s their birthday, throw them a surprise party; be the first in line to congratulate them on their graduation. Whatever it may be, your support will go a long way in strengthening their self-esteem and your friendship.
3. Say Thank You
Unfortunately, we often take the people in our lives for granted. But, it’s important to take a step back and realize how lucky you are to have a good friendship. Find a way to show your friend that you are grateful for them. You could send them a text with a fun GIF, tell them in person, or even send them a care package to let them know you appreciate them and are thankful to have them as a friend.
Friendships and building a good social circle do take effort. But, the effort is worth it. Having good and fulfilling friendships can improve your life mentally, physically, and emotionally.