Summer is the warmest of the seasons. The days are longest, the nights are shortest. Parks and beaches are full of life; the air is thick with possibility.

After a relationship, you may feel lonely and uncertain about what to do with this extra daylight. You may have relied on your ex for companionship and find yourself a single in a world dominated by couples and groups.

But you can use summer to your advantage: talking to strangers and making new friends. During summer people are so much more relaxed. It’s a great time to make new friends. Strangers are simply people you do not know yet. They are just like you and me, and much easier to talk to than most people think.

The key to having a great conversation, is not to treat a stranger like they are your best friend. Be interested in them. Ask them questions, but do not be intrusive. Do not touch or hug people. You could give the wrong message about your intent – and you know nothing about the strangers past (fears, relationship status, likes & dislikes etc)

Be positive, open and quick to smile. Smiling will get you anywhere.

 

When starting a conversation, use any one of the following:

Comment or ask a question about a book or magazine they may be reading, or something they are doing.

“Oh, I’ve heard about that book. How is it?”

Compliment them on something they are wearing.

“Great shoes! Are they comfortable?”

Remember that the past is in the past.

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
― Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People

“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures bristling with prejudice and motivated by pride and vanity.”
― Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People

 

5 Tips for Talking To Strangers

 

1. Smile

Research tells us that smiling signals openness. When you smile at others, you send a signal that displays a friendly intention. People are more likely to talk to someone who smiles at them.

2. Be genuine

Just be yourself. Relax and express who you are. You will find the people you enjoy the most are the ones who enjoy you too.

3. Listen

Show active interest in what the other person is saying. Ask follow up or clarifying questions. “What was your favorite part?”

4. Ask open ended questions

Allow people the opportunity to elaborate on their experience. If asking about a TV show or book, be sure to ask about favorite or interesting elements.

5. Have fun

If you aren’t having fun, neither will the other person. Keep smiling, have an open stance and keep the conversation light as a summer breeze.

If you are new to the dating world again, or have been too busy to date in awhile and you need some current advice, come and see Savannah for a few coaching sessions. Once you have personalized coaching advice, you will see the world in a completely different way. 

Make an online appointment HERE