Whether you’ve switched schools, skipped a grade or just
need a new batch of peeps, making friends can be a scary and challenging task.
But ya just gotta show off your sparkling personality in one little convo to
snag a lunch buddy. The trick is getting the chitchat started, so here’s how:
Tried and True
Don’t be afraid to just introduce yourself to the girl
sitting one desk over. Sure, it’s awkward to say, “Hi, my name is __________,”
and then let it hang there. So don’t. Introduce yourself, and after she
responds with her name, follow up with a question about how long she’s gone to
the school or where her locker is this year. And in the awkward event that she
just stares at you and doesn’t respond with her name, be prepared just to jump
straight into your question. If you ask her something directly, hopefully she
won’t be so rude that she won’t respond at all.
Helping Hand
It’s your first day of school, and your locker is stuck
already. Don’t look at that as a problem, though – make it into an opportunity!
Ask a nice-looking girl or guy near you if they’d mind helping you out. If they
can’t get it, you can laugh about it together, and if they do fix it, you can
thank them and segue into a real convo. Whatever your problem is, don’t be
afraid to ask for help. It is the first day, after all. And remember that you
can always offer to help someone else out, too, if notice them struggling with
something that you’ve already got down.
That Awkward Moment
When…
Pay attention to anything out-of-the-ordinary or funny that
happens in your first few classes, and comment on it when you run into one of
your classmates in the hall later. The best is if you can make a joke out of
it, and use that to get the chitchat flowin’. Something like, “So does it
usually sound like they’re shouting the morning announcements in your ear, or
was the loudspeaker just turned up in honor of the first day?” Be careful with
your jokin’, though, and don’t mention any people – you never know who could be
creepin’ up behind you and get offended.
Dish Out the
Compliments
If you heart the pants that your locker neighbor is wearing,
tell her. She probably put tons of thought into her BTS outfit just like you
did, and she’ll appreciate someone noticing it. You can then ask her where she
got them, or move on to a new topic once you’ve gotten her attention. Just be
careful not to gush too much – you don’t wanna come off as a spaz. A simple
compliment and a smile will go a long way.
What’s your best
friend-making move?
BY CARRIE RUPPERT ON 7/21/2012 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN how can I make new friends, how to make friends at a new school, make friends fast, back to school, first day back, bust first day fears, make friends on the first day