10 Ways for Healthy Interaction with Strangers

We are told at a very tender age to not to talk to strangers, but when we grow up, we have to do the opposite as said. We make new friends. Talk to them. Everyone is a stranger at first and then becomes friends. When we enter a school for the first time, our teachers and friends are strangers. Strangers take our job interviews. We are working with strangers for strangers. Many of us have not met with the CEO of our company. We have to catch up with strangers in almost all the phases of life. Interaction with strangers is never taught to us when we are a kid. In fact, we are asked to stay away from them. But we have to master these skills. This becomes difficult for introverts. People walk away from them. This is because we don't want to come out of our comfort zones. We walk away from social gatherings, parties, social interactions because we don't want to start a conversation. You want to avoid these conversations, but till when. You will be tired of running away. So the best solution is to talk to them. Talking is fun and interesting.

Make efforts to bypass your fears. It costs nothing to say a simple hi. Saying hello seem easy, but it is not so. Before talking we start a conversation in mind with ourselves unless we say those words. Interacting with strangers opens our minds. Interaction opens a door to opportunities for us. Sometimes we have to talk to people. Starting a conversation is the first barrier. You should start the conversation. Break the ice. This requires a lot of courage. This allows you to change your image and people will set a different opinion about you. This will also improve your social skills and enhance your personality. You will get more offers as people will find you convincing and congenial. Converse in the language they prefer. Don't copy their accent or imitate them. Indulge in the group conversation. Start learning these skills in schools and colleges they will be very beneficial in the later stages of your career. Take a deep breath and hold the pressure. Be honest, don't give wrong information about you and also avoid asking for their confidential information like what is their salary? which political party did they support? Who is their love interest? They may not want to reveal such information. Don't ask which has answer Yes or No. This will take your conversation nowhere.

There are the ways of interaction I have tried and they might work for you as well:-

1. Start a conversation

First, introduce yourself then ask for another person's name. Everyone thinks why they should first start a discussion. Don't overthink it. Setting a mindset before talking can be offensive. Don't worry about how the person will comprehend you. Act confident, despite being full of fears.

2. Don't expect a result

Work with no expectation. Don't bother about what the person may think and what will be his response. The outcome may be different as expected. Maybe he is equally interested in the interaction. Sometimes you may be disappointed as you may not receive an overwhelming response. Maybe your interaction did not seem convincing to him. The situation can be anything with the other party. Don't take it personally. If they missed a chance to chat with you, they missed out on something very special. Not everyone is accessible. Give them some time to be familiar.

3. Practice humor

Humorous people are good at conversation. But being humorous is challenging. It is easy to make anyone cries but more difficult to make him laugh. This makes talk fun and enjoyable.

4. Practice alone

We may seem a little awkward at first. To avoid that awkwardness, repeat the conversation in front of the mirror. Be authentic, don't be fake. Never allow fear to overtake you. Everything can be made easy with regular practice. So this can be.

5. Attain social gatherings

The best place to meet new people. Interact with those who are totally a stranger to you. In fact, reach out to such places with no family or a friend.

6. Learn body language

You appear bold when you make eye contact. Use hand gestures and appropriate postures. This will add a characteristic to your personality. Avoid checking your phone and time. Don't look here and there. This may look like you are less interested. Avoid crossing your arms. Don't look down. Offer a warm handshake. Be approachable.

7. Don't discuss problems

Don't talk about your problems at first meet and neither ask from them. Instead, talk to them about hobbies. It's great if you share the same hobbies, you have more to talk about. Ask questions like what they do on their weekends or free timings, who are their friends. Don't talk about your bad mood or what are the things bothering him. Compliment them for their dressing. Appreciate their behavior if they make a long-lasting impression on you.

8. Ask for advice

People love to give advice because it costs nothing. Instead, an unknown person can tell you all the ways to find a solution. Ask them if they are experts at something and how they gain that expertise. They will tell you with more curiosity because you are listening to them.

9. Avoid debates

A healthy discussion is good but stop immediately if it turns into debates and disagreements. It is unnecessary that your thoughts may align with him. If you both disagree with each other and your views don't match, it's ok. Change the topic and keep the discussion light-hearted. Avoid discussion on politics and religion. Your views should not hurt others' opinions. Talk about sports, movies, hanging spots, and unoffensive things.

10. Imagine him a known friend

When you talk to him considering your friend you will be more open and comfortable. Make an impact so they want to talk to you again.