The goal isn’t creating a massive social network tomorrow—it’s building a sustainable social life aligned with your temperament and energy capacity. Fear of rejection prevents many shy people from taking friendship risks. Reframing how you conceptualize rejection transforms this paralyzing fear into manageable disappointment. You’re making it easier for the other person (who might also feel uncertain) by taking initiative. Most people feel relieved rather than burdened when someone else does the work of organizing connection.
We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally. They might even be waiting for someone like you to say hi first. Charmerly reviews 💙 Practice building the skill of Curiosity about those around you during this meditation with Tamara Levitt.
If you approach 10 potential friends, having 1-2 develop into real friendship represents success, not failure. Making friends is one challenge—maintaining friendships requires ongoing effort that shy people often struggle with. Friendship maintenance doesn’t have to be exhausting if approached systematically. One of the most common causes of friendship failure for shy people is social burnout—overextending yourself socially, becoming exhausted, then withdrawing completely and losing momentum. Specific, activity-focused invitations feel less vulnerable than open-ended “get to know you” hangouts while still creating friendship-building opportunities. In my course, we would often have long periods of free time in between lectures.
How Long Does It Usually Take To Make Real Friends At School?
It often feels like everyone around you is effortlessly navigating social situations while you struggle to find the right words. Online platforms offer a comfortable space for shy introverts to connect with like-minded individuals. Engaging in social media groups, online forums, or virtual events helps facilitate interactions. Introverts can start with friendly greetings and open-ended questions to build relationships authentically. Shyness often manifests as discomfort or apprehension in social situations. It may cause hesitation in speaking or initiating conversations.
- Introverts can start by practicing brief, low-pressure conversations in comfortable environments.
- Finding the right balance between social engagement and alone time is crucial.
- Consider sitting with someone new at lunch, joining a club, or asking a classmate about their weekend.
You’re not alone in this, and every step you take brings you closer to those fulfilling relationships you desire. Once you’re comfortable around certain people, it will be easier for you to navigate conversations and take initiative. Focus on long-term things or events such as classes, teams, clubs, or volunteer positions where you’d bump into the same people.
Volunteering is like a friendship superpower because you’ll meet other teens who share your passion for helping others. But think about how that behavior might be interpreted by them; it can seem like you don’t want to be involved with anything they do, which is never a good feeling. For some, connection happens quickly, but for others, it unfolds over months of conversations and shared experiences.
How To Make New Friends (even If You’re Super Shy!)
She is also a keen observer and likes to use her observations in her writing. She is also an inquisitive traveler and a culture enthusiast who loves exploring and learning about new places and people. She loves cooking and baking, reading fiction books and binge-watching thrillers in her leisure time. Once you are in a social situation and enjoying yourself, ask questions to keep the conversation going. ’ This will help the conversation be more meaningful and fulfilling. Manageable steps such as maintaining eye contact, smiling more often to people, and initiating a ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ when you see someone can boost your confidence.
Try And Meet The Same People Again Or Look For Events Where You Meet The Same People Again
Remember to stay true to yourself, give it time, and enjoy the journey of meeting new people. If your student is attending an entirely online college, making friends at school is often difficult. Online-only college experiences don’t have many organic opportunities for socialization, which can make them feel isolating.