Socialize Successfully: A Few Simple Tips to Help You During the Holiday Season

Socialize Successfully

This Holiday Season you might very well find yourself at a party. It might be work related, a family gathering, a neighborhood friendly get together, or a function for a specific disability. In any event, here are some helpful hints for those among us who do not feel as “comfortable” in these social settings.

Be Positive:

Have a happy heart. Expect that it is going to be a great party. Often times we can be our own worst enemy and jinx our evening before it even starts. Look at it this way: you’re out of the house!! Remember to smile and be approachable. Don’t stay huddled in the corner; people may think you are not approachable or in the mood to socialize. Body language speaks louder than words in these settings. I have found that the easiest thing for me to do is simply greet whomever answers the door to the event with a nice smile, a warm handshake and these simple words: Good evening, how are you?  This does two direct things….First, it allows me to officially “break the ice” and engage someone and secondly, it allows me to see how the tone of the party is at that moment. If I’m greeted with a big “hey, how in the world are you?”, then I know that it is a more lively crowd. If I get the “wet fish” handshake and no real greeting…well, then I know my work is cut out for me, as well as for the party itself.

Seek & Find:

You may have to play “seek and find.” Actively seek out people to talk with. Yes, I realize that this is the single most intimidating aspect of going to a party. You are second guessing yourself constantly. Will they like me…what if they don’t….what can I say…I don’t know anyone here. We have all been in this situation. Here is a simple thought for you to remember: If you don’t start a conversation with someone, then you have a 100% chance of not meeting anyone. I can promise this: if you start to talk to someone, then each time after that, it will get easier and easier for you to walk up to someone and say “hello.” You might find that the added confidence that this simple act instills in you is carried over into other areas of your personal and professional life. You have all heard the expression “wow, he really came out of his shell”. I would be willing to bet that many others at the gathering feel the same way as you do, but, are also too afraid to make the first move.

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