LIFE

Secret Snowflake sistah

What to do: Volunteer to be in charge of your class’ (or your friend’s or basketball team’s) annual holiday gift swap, and use it as an easy way to strike up a conversation.

What to say: Approach your prospective pal with a friendly smile and say, “Hey, I’m planning a Secret Snowflake gift swap. Do you want join in?” Later on, you can chat about gift ideas to kick-start a new convo.

Spread some cheer

What to do: So you’ve been thinking that one of the popular girls is really cool, even if her other buds are a bit of a drag? Get her one-on-one, like when you two are in art class together.

What to say: Pause when you pass by her table and drop a genuine compliment on the piece she’s currently working on. Ask her to show you how she aced that painting technique, or offer to bring in a book on Monet you think she’d love.

Can you say girl power?

What to do: Every girl is always looking for another buddy in gym class, just in case. Bring your whole class together with a solid helping of competition. Go, team, go!

What to say: When your gym teacher points you toward a rack of basketballs, nudge the chica closest to you and say, “Hey, how ‘bout a girls versus guys game? We could totally take them!”

Show ‘em your sweet side

What to do: Tie on your cutest apron and whip up a monster batch of holiday sweets. Bring ‘em to school in totally tote-able Tupperware and whip ‘em out at snack time or lunch.

What to say: Go up to your new-friend-to-be’s table and say, “Hey you guys! I made a huge batch of peppermint brownies last night. Want some?”

by Brittany Taylor | 2/1/2016