How to socialize better? 7 useful tips
Several guidelines to follow to qualitatively improve the way in which we relate to others.
People are social animals, which means that we are beings that need interaction with others, to such an extent that throughout our evolution as a species we have developed a system of societies that allows us to enjoy the feeling that we belong to something much bigger than ourselves.
From this point of view, it would be logical to think that all people manage to develop the same socialization skills, but this is not at all the reality. Due to different influencing factors some people do not manage to develop these skills completely, so throughout this article we will see some tips on how to socialize better.
What does it mean to socialize?
The act of socializing, also known as socialization, is a process through which virtually all people go through and which consists of cognitive assimilation of all the elements, principles and sociocultural foundations of their environment and then of their environment and then integrating them into the structure of their personality, all mediated by the influence of their life experiences and social agents.
This process is carried out thanks to the action of social agents, which are constituted by the family environment, the school, peers and even the media and institutions.
Within all these agents, the family is considered an essential part of the socialization process, since it is our first contact with people. since it is our first contact with people different from ourselves and serves as a guide for our first contacts with the outside world.
Secondly, there is the school, within this context we learn the guidelines to follow for interaction with our peers, as well as a first deal with authority figures other than parents or guardians.
Why are not all people equally capable?
There are great differences between people when it comes to differences when it comes to developing the skills that allow us to socialize with others. with others. While some exhibit great ability to relate and make friends easily, others find it a great effort.
These difficulties in meeting people and making friends can cause great feelings of frustration and anguish, since the person feels the need and wishes to interact with others but his or her lack of knowledge or lack of skills makes it impossible.
The skills that enable us to interact with others and establish positive personal and friendship bonds are known as social skills. are known as social skills. This concept encompasses all those behaviors and behaviors carried out by the person within an interpersonal context.
Basically, it consists of the expression of emotions, feelings, desires and opinions in an effective and appropriate manner according to the situation in which the person finds him/herself. In addition, it is also characterized by the ability to respect others and to solve problems effectively while minimizing consequences and future complications.
The reason why some people do not possess these skills is that they have not had the opportunity to learn them. they have not had the opportunity to learn them and put them into practice.The socialization of children and adolescents, either because of inadequate or non-direct learning models, or because of the interference of negative thoughts or insecurities due to negative life experiences.
7 tips for better socialization
However, like all other skills, these can be learned and practiced. Although over time this may become a little more complicated, it is never too late to change or improve socialization habits and patterns.
We will now review a series of suggestions that will make it easier for us to interact with other people and help us feel more comfortable.
1. Start slowly
Due to the tension that can be generated by initiating a conversation or contact with another person, it is worthwhile to start slowly. Choose uncrowded places that allow you to have a quiet conversation with one or two people.
Choosing everyday contexts in which people talk naturally or habitually, such as supermarket queues, and initiating a small casual interaction will allow us to practice and lose our fear of initiating conversations. lose the fear of initiating conversations.
In the same way, it is advisable to start with small comments, which can lead to a conversation but without resulting in stilted or excessively deep expressions or sentences. Circumstantial comments that show points in common with the other person are usually very effective in creating a bond.
2. Smile
Of course we are not referring to forced or constant smiles, as these can convey a sense of strangeness or distrust to others. Smiling when someone approaches us, when funny comments are made and keeping a relaxed and casual facial gesture will help us to feel close to people and to that they feel comfortable with us..
3. Maintain proper eye contact
Looking at people while they are talking is a sign that you are listening and facilitates bonding with others. Otherwise it will appear that we are not the least bit interested in what is going on and this can create a barrier between the two of you.
In the same way, if we are the ones doing the talking, it is also advisable to maintain eye contact with the other person. it is advisable to maintain eye contact with our interlocutor or interlocutorsThis conveys security and also facilitates the creation of personal ties or friendship.
4. Listen
Socializing does not only imply talking to other people, but also listening to them and actively listening to what they are not telling us. Active listening will allow us to gather enough information from the other person to be able to formulate appropriate questions and comments, which will allow us to continue the conversation effectively. will allow us to continue the conversation effectively and convey interest in the other.
5. Observe
Observing the people around us or with whom we have a conversation can give us a lot of information about them, such as how they feel when talking about a topic. This information will allow us to connect with them and facilitate the start and progress of the conversation.
6. Keeping informed
Knowing what is going on around us, what the latest news and events are, will provide us with a Wide range of topics to discuss. a wide range of topics with which to start conversations and be able to and be able to intervene effectively in the debates that may arise during social gatherings.
7. Do not judge
If the first thing you do when you arrive at a meeting space is to make value judgments, you will create a barrier between you and the rest of the people, since you will eliminate the possibility of knowing them and knowing what they are really like, especially if these judgments are negative.
In the same way, making negative criticisms or value judgments to people you have just met, usually conveys a very bad image. usually transmits a very bad image, so you will only manage to alienate these people from you.
(Updated at Apr 12 / 2024)