HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS IF YOU ARE SOCIALLY DIFFERENT OR AWKWARD 

Do you have trouble making friends? Would you say that you're socially different? Here are some tips about how you can make some friends when you're socially awkward or different.

1. Start talking to strangers

Do strangers intimidate you? Or maybe you simply have no desire to talk to any of them. You don't know them after all, how would you know if you like them?

But in most cases, Friendships are started by simply uttering this one word, hello. The word is hello. Obviously, you must be thinking it's not as easy as that and it isn't always, but the more you get used to randomly saying hello to those near you, or those who make eye contact with you, the easier you'll get used to social interactions with strangers. Tomorrow, it might be a simple, hello, the next week you ask them how they are or if that book they're reading is any good. Maybe you compliment them, even better. This will ease you into social interactions. The simple, hello, pleasantries, small talk, and then genuinely interesting conversations, let's hope. Next time you see someone beautiful or maybe they're wearing a nice outfit, compliment them or maybe they're great at a particular skill, compliment them. Maybe they're simply so kind you can't help but tell them that they put you in a better mood. Genuine compliments are the way to go.

2. Start up a conversation with those who captivates you

Okay, so you've been engaging in small talk with strangers a bit more, but you're still friendless.  Well, try starting a conversation with someone who captivates you and discuss what it is about them that captivate you, as long as it's not anything weird.They may just want to know more. This isn't to say it should be the first thing you bring up, but after talking with them a bit, mention what it is you appreciate about them.

 "Wow, I love how passionate you are about painting" or "I'm so captivated by your theories on spirituality, "tell me more." Odds are, they won't be discussing spiritual theories with you, but hey, you get the idea. If something drew you to them, maybe you have something in common. Find out what you do have in common and discuss your shared passions. People generally get excited to discuss things they love so you'll both seem more approachable and friendly when you discuss the things you both love.

3. Awkward moments are bound to happen

Do you dread the inevitable awkward silence that comes along with most conversations? Well, it's bound to happen, people. Instead of panicking, embrace the silence. Easier said than done, right? Yeah, but you have to push through the silence sometimes. Ask yourself, "Is this silence really that awkward "or is it just a few seconds of, well, silence?" Go ahead and smile at the silence or simply take a deep breath and move on in topic. You may say, "By the way, this reminds me of..."  Or, "Totally random, but lately I've been thinking about..." Or simply ask them a new question, just relax and the change in topic or silence won't be as awkward, and if it is, it's totally fine to feel a bit awkward, but try to accept this. You'll recover. You can, I believe in you.

4. Be around who have the same values, hobbies, or passions as you

Do you want friends? Well, you may need something easy to talk about for starters. So try engaging with others who share some same hobbies and passions as you. Remember finding something in common? Well, how can you find these people? Try to join a club focused on a passion of yours or attend events focused on your favourite hobby. Good at chess? Join a chess club. Love sketching? Try a painting class to find other artists like yourself. Not only will you meet more artists, you'll learn to paint as well. Having similar hobbies or interests with someone will make it easier to strike up conversation with them. So it's a great start.

5. Pretend you're an extrovert at first and tell yourself you're just saying a few words

Do you really struggle with approaching others and striking a conversation? While you should always be yourself, it could be a good idea to try to get in the mind-set that you're actually extremely extroverted. Say what? No, don't actually claim to be an extrovert when you talk them, but simply let go of the belief that you struggle talking to others before you approach them. When you struggle socializing with others, it's likely all you're thinking about before you engage in conversation with them. Those silences, you're thinking about how you're not the best at socializing.

Those moments of hesitation before you approach someone, you're playing out scenarios of what could go wrong. So simply let go of that idea and pretend you're used to talking to others when you approach them. In fact, you love it. Still talk about what you like and who you are, and admit you are an introvert if you are one and the time comes. The important thing is starting the conversation, and you may just need to change your mind-set for a moment to break that barrier of fear or awkwardness.

6. If you're invited somewhere, say yes

So you happen to know a few acquaintances and all is going well. One day someone invites you to a party of theirs. Before you answer, you hesitate. "Wait a second", you think. "I hate parties." You start compiling a list of excuses, some real, and some imaginary. "I'm not feeling too well.” I have homework to do. "I have to walk my dog.” You may not feel like making friends when they ask you, but you know later you may wonder how the party would've been if you went and you may hold onto some feelings of regret. Yes, they may pass with due time, but you may still want a friend or two in the future. So say yes, even if it means reassuring yourself that you can leave at any time. So why not show up and see how it goes? Strike up a few conversations. Let others know you simply don't know anyone here besides the host. They'll often be inclined to talk to you more, make you feel comfortable, and get to know you. Say yes to any fun invitation you get from a friendly associate or a friend. 

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