Awareness
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Learn social cues and intuition through pattern recognition instead of relying on innate instinct.
It is how people communicate.
- This process can be annoying and exhausting.
one person who lived it
If you are socially anxious, ask questions about anything, even those that seem dumb, to fact-check your understanding of your surroundings.
You won't have a bearing for understanding if you cannot fact check first.
one person who lived it
Watch videos on YouTube about reading body language.
It might help.
one person who lived it
Gain social experience to build confidence and sharpen social skills.
Experience builds confidence and sharpens skills.
one person who lived it
Recognize that people hugging strangers may be part of an organized event or movement, such as those dressed as angels.
One observer noticed people dressed in wings and robes giving hugs were part of a specific event or movement.
one person who lived it
Moderate your speaking volume and recognize when a listener is disinterested or trying to change the subject.
Many people speak too loudly and fail to notice non-participation.
one person who lived it
Enroll in social skills classes or therapy designed to help navigate the social world.
8 people, independently
Focus on listening rather than bringing others down in conversation.
Listening is often the best approach.
one person who lived it
Ask about a person's feelings to better understand their reactions over time.
This dramatically increases your understanding of the people you see frequently.
one person who lived it
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Read social cues carefully and pick up on non-verbal signals.
3 people, independently
Recognize that non-verbal communication and social intuition are valid forms of communication, not excuses to avoid communicating.
It is comparable to speaking a second language.
one person who lived it
Take classes in public speaking, improvisational theater, or acting to practice socializing safely.
This is the easiest way and provides a safe environment.
one person who lived it
Take up activities like pickup basketball at a local gym to force actual social interaction.
- You may still overthink everything, but conversations may flow more naturally.
one person who lived it