8 Tips To Increase Your Social Circle

Personalities are complex. There’s an age-old debate that still rages on about how someone actually gets their personality. Is it biological? Are our personalities in our genes? Or is it something that is socialized into us? Or maybe it’s both?

This is a complex question. If you say it’s genetic, then why aren’t there families only filled with introverts or only extroverts? But if it’s a learned behavior, then why is there a black sheep in families… you know, the ones who don’t fit in with the rest of them? It’s a mystery.

# Set small goals

If you are extremely introverted or shy, then just the thought of venturing out to make new friends – or to hang out with the ones you have – can seem a bit overwhelming. So, start small. Decide on a certain amount of social activity that seems acceptable to you, and then work up from there.

# Practice talking to strangers

This might be absolutely terrifying for some people. But guess what? Most people are nice, and they won’t bite your head off.

Start with something simple like, “Wow, it’s such a beautiful day, isn’t it?” The more you do it, the more easier it’ll get. So, if you want to know how to be more social, this is a good habit to try.

# Join a club

It doesn’t matter what kind of club, but just join whatever kind interests you. Maybe you want to further your career, so consider joining the Rotary club. Or if you like hiking, join a hiking club. If you do that, you will not only be in a social situation, but you will be doing something you enjoy or that will benefit your future

# Study extroverts

Extroverts can definitely model for you on how to be more social. You probably know some extroverts. Maybe they’re your family members, your co-workers, or even some of your friends.

What do they do to make themselves more social than you do? Once you figure that out, copy what they do.

# Visualize

This one might sound cheesy, but many research studies have proven the power of visualization. The subconscious mind doesn’t know the difference between fantasy and reality. So, visualize yourself being social and enjoying it, and then eventually, it’ll become your real life.

# Find a hobby

Okay, by find a hobby, I mean one that is not done in isolation like reading a book or knitting. Find a hobby that requires other people. For example, do you like playing basketball? Join an intramural team! Do anything at all that you enjoy, and then join others who like doing it as well.

# Take classes

While taking classes might sound like a weird tip for how to be more social, it really can help. Maybe you haven’t finished your college degree. If not, there’s no time like the present. Talk to your fellow students, hang out with them when you do your group projects.

Even if you don’t want to go back to school, you could always opt for a cooking or an art class. Whatever is interesting to you, get out and learn more. I guarantee you’ll meet like-minded people.