I just came to say HELLO!
I Just came to say HELLO....
Take a moment and ponder about how many people you have met today, yesterday or throughout the last week…
When you think about it we probably meet at least one new person everyday. This could be grabbing our morning coffee, going through a checkout at a supermarket, sitting next to someone on a bus, dealing with people at work, passing someone on your afternoon jog….I could go on but I think it is obvious we are constantly faced with meeting new people. So for now let’s embrace that thought…
We all know meeting people for the first time can be awkward and uncomfortable. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Of course not everyone we meet is going to turn into our best mate and realistically we may not like everyone we meet. (Think back to a time when you were introduced to someone who was rude – our first instincts were not too impressed. Who says first impressions don’t count?). Sometimes, we might feel more pressure meeting people when there is a chance we could end up forming a friendship or we know we will be interacting with these people more than once. Like when you meet people through a friend, you have joined a sporting team, you have a new house mate or you start at a new school/job. Naturally we want to feel liked or included by others… BUT we all experience this or go about this in different ways. We meet new people in different ways and therefore we make new friends in different ways as well.
One of my most memorable experiences of meeting new people was the first day I moved to university and I was confronted with 40 other strangers I would call my ‘dormies’. Little did I know for the next year these people were about to turn into new friends (some life long friends). Ironically our first year song was “HELLO” by David Guetta. Rather fitting if I look back now… because how did I meet all these new people and form all these friendships – by saying HELLO (and learning a hilarious dance we had to dance to everytime it came on… great icebreaker). Lucky for me I’m a question asker, so I was all about getting a conversation flowing. Asking general ‘getting to know you’ questions and discovering other people’s areas of interest was how I seemed to manage with meeting all these new people. Not everyone is comfortable with this, some people are shy, some people sit back, some prefer to stick to themselves, and some people are innappropriately over the top. Maybe now is a good time for you to reflect on what you do to break the ice when meeting someone new??
I guess in the last four years of university I have made a lot of new friends, and lost contact with some older ones along the way. But I think that’s all part of the circle of life. We loose some people as friends and gain others along the way. In my opinon there are always opportunities to make new friends throughout life. That is one thing that makes new friends FANTASTIC. Surely there are other good things about making new friends too. Think about what you believe is good about making new friends?
So why don’t you come to say hello too?? Join us at 8pm tonight EST to meet someone new. We will be talking about ways to meet people, how to avoid awkward moments, the perks of new friends, sharing our own personal encounters and talking about general tips on meeting people or making new friends. Hope to MEET you all there 
Alright guys, thanks for participating tonight. Here is our final question.
Any tips for when you meet new people? Things you should or shouldn’t do.
You guys can post anything you want, really. Just post any final thoughts you have, even if it doesn't fit within the scope of the question!
Well I'm excited about going to the zoo with people I don't know well!
We are glad you came to say HELLO….
Heres a recap on tonight 
Where do you think are some good places to meet new people?
- There are soooo many places to meet new people. Some places we spoke about tonight included: school, work, uni, the pub, online places, support groups, social clubs, tafe, volunteering, places that relate to your hobbies, in bigger friendship groups etc. Generally you can meet people wherever people are. Sometimes you will find yourself having a random conversation or encounter with a complete stranger.
What activities/ things have you done to meet new people?
When some people started uni they joined different clubs at orientation days.
Others have volunteered and mentored students. Some people enjoy engaging at their local community centres.
While some have taken a plunge and changed locations – that’s one big move to meet new people.
People also mentioned meeting people online through different sites or interests.
Has anyone else met people online? What were some of the ways you made this work?
There is a common interest being shared and it is an easy way to interact with people if you find it difficult. It removes any pressures or stigmas, Sometimes we happen to meet people through others and talk to them online for long periods of time. The online world has made a new way to develop and sustain friendships.
If you want to meet people – a public place is a highly recommended if you choose to do so. Public places protect your safety and provides easy conversation starters.
What do you use as your ‘conversation starters’ when meeting new people?
- “What’s the best thing that happened to you this week?”
- Lots of general and open types of questions (nothing too personal)
- Using a compliment “like I love your shoes, where are they from”
- Introducing yourself and offering a gesture – like a handshake
- Comment on something you both seen or are interested in
How can we avoid awkward conversations when we meet someone new?
- If you are a good talker, keep that conversation flowing.
- Avoid personal questions early on when meeting someone
- Yes or no answers completely kill a conversation. Give the other person something to work with to respond to.
- Share information about yourself as well- don’t let it be a one way street.
- Easy topics – like music, places, famous people, world news, sports– general things people can contribute to in a conversation.
- Finally check this out: http://au.reachout.com/9-things-to-avoid-doing-when-meeting-new-people
What is good about meeting new people or making new friends?
It expands your universe. You learn more about people, their differences, experiences etc sometimes we can be exposed to things we never have been. Meeting new people enhances our learning and perspectives. Meeting new friends also is part of life. Friendships are something that can change over time. Life is full of all different kinds of friendships. (old, current, new and future). “everyone has a story to tell if they are willing to share it”.
After all is it nice to have someone new to hang out with and you can invite more people to your birthday party
What are some ways you intend on making new friends in the future?
Stepping outside your comfort zone is important. Mix up your routine, change what you do, change where you go. Embrace the learning process that new people can bring you.
Through parties, classes or some shows were suggested to broaden possibilities for meeting people.
Any last tips for when you meet new people? Things you should or shouldn’t do. All suggestions welcome so have your say.
- Be yourself
- Don’t be scared to START a conversation
- Go to the zoo with people you might of just met or a new friend
For me, continuously being aware of and trying to break out of my comfort zone, which I realise is starting to be more like a prison.
What are some ways you intend on making new friends in the future?
No idea! Probably at parties, or through my new uni classes. I've also met a few people at shows lately, so that's good!
Nice one, Magga. Especially the one about more people at your birthday party 
Ok then, new question. I think this one is a very interesting one, personally.
What are some ways you intend on making new friends in the future?
What are some ways you intend on making new friends in the future?
Breaking my routine of uni, work and gym. I need to find a new place/or interest to meet people. Seriously - tonight has made me think that I am alittle 'stuck in my ways'.
It is important I keep an open mind to the learning process... different people, experiences and perspectives have value to add to my life.
Something I realised lately was that making new friends really expanded my universe and helped me realise how different people are and all the opportunity the world affords. For example, I've always been curious what it was like to be an extra or have a small role in a movie or a TV show. I recently met a friend who ocassionally takes part in movies as an extra (he's in the new Wolverine movie) and he introduced me to his manager. As a result, I'm way more keen to meet new people now as I want to see how my universe will be expanded.
Great answers everyone. Now, onto the next question!
What is good about meeting new people or making new friends?
I find that it helps to share information about yourself in addition to asking questions about another person. I think it builds more trust that way, instead of it feeling like an interrogation.
What is good about meeting new people or making new friends?
I said this earlier but I think the best thing about making new friends is the new possibilities. Life is always changing and we seem to experience all kinds of different friendships thoughout our journey. Some friends come and go, some stay, some are life long. But your next new meeting with someone could be the beginning of something wonderful.
What is good about meeting new people or making new friends?
I think it's just nice to have a new friend, someone else to hang out with. If everyone else is busy, you have someone else to do stuff with...more people at your birthday party...stuff like that 😛
I find that the awesome thing about meeting new people is learning. They have all these experiences that you may not necessarilly have had, and they can give you all these perspectives on things you may already be familiar with, if you have an open mind. Everybody has a story to tell, if they're willing to share it.
Great answers everyone. It seems like having something in common is an easy way to avoid awkward conversations. Speaking of awkward conversations...
How can we avoid awkward conversations when we meet someone new?
How can we avoid awkward conversations when we meet someone new?
Rosie mentioned this before - yes or no answers! It completely kills a conversation. People should try to keep a conversation going, and ask questions. I did a couple of drama classes in high school, and one of the things that always stuck with me was something along the lines of "always keep the interaction 'open', you should always give the other person something to work with and respond to".
When it's at school or work, I usually just say hello, my name is _____ and offer a hand to shake. When it's a place where it might be the norm for people to talk, I usually just say hi and make some sort of observation.
