Events
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
Put your phone down if you are blocking the view of people behind you who paid for admission.
Blocking views ruins the experience for others.
3 people, independently
Ask a popular sibling or family member who knows many people to introduce you to others.
Three of you forms a group that others will likely take under their wing.
one person who lived it
At social events, look for people who appear miserable being there.
One person found their best friends this way.
one person who lived it
Roll with things going wrong and try to enjoy yourself, as it is your day.
Something always goes wrong.
one person who lived it
Start fitness goals slowly and make a plan rather than starting at full intensity to avoid getting bored or failing.
Starting at 100% often leads to crashing and burning.
one person who lived it
Arrive after dinner to join when guests are looser and less formal.
Everyone will be looser; if there is treachery, you and your partner can split up.
one person who lived it
Talk to kids or younger cousins about shared interests like video games.
They may be surprised by your knowledge, think you are a cool grownup, and adults will be happy their kids like you.
one person who lived it
Choose to improve every day through small decisions.
Small results compound and grow over time.
one person who lived it
Bring party streamers to the kids' table.
It is an instant hit.
one person who lived it
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Dance sober if you want; look for mocktail options.
It may feel weird at first but gets easier.
one person who lived it
Create a fake persona to adopt at the wedding if you are unlikely to see the attendees again.
It can be fun and low-stakes since you won't see them again.
one person who lived it
Organize events for yourself if you have friends who enjoy spending time with you.
They will appreciate the opportunity to spend time together.
one person who lived it
Attend speed-friending events to break the ice with strangers.
The structured format helps overcome the daunting hurdle of starting a conversation in person.
one person who lived it
Avoid recording entire songs or long segments, as this prevents enjoying the moment through your own eyes.
Watching through a phone screen detracts from enjoyment.
one person who lived it
Listen to positive podcasts or music on the way to the event to prime your mood.
It helps to 'prime your pump' by engaging with positive content beforehand.
one person who lived it
Ask open-ended questions about how guests know the couple to initiate conversation.
Asking more questions reduces the number of questions directed at you.
one person who lived it
If unsure about attending an event, go for a short time; one person found they were often glad they did.
- Based on one person's experience.
one person who lived it
Attend large conventions or fairs to increase the chance of making one-on-one connections based on shared interests due to the sheer volume of attendees.
The high number of people increases the probability of random occurrences leading to meaningful connections.
one person who lived it
Be genuinely yourself.
It is attractive and appealing.
one person who lived it
Avoid labeling people as snobbish preemptively, as this psychs you out based on your own insecurities.
one person who lived it