From Cosmopolitan · Kayla Kibbe · · 1m 30s
10 Tips to Meeting People In Real Life
How to go out alone and meet people without awkwardness.
In brief
How to go out alone and meet people without awkwardness. Going out alone can help meet people by focusing on enjoyment and practice rather than immediate dating. Originally reported by Cosmopolitan.
Expect (and Accept) Rejection
Going out alone doesn't guarantee meeting someone; rejection is normal and part of the process.
“There can be joy in connecting with someone without immediately framing the interaction around whether they’re available or interested in dating you.”
Reframe Your Expectations
Success is enjoying yourself, not finding a date immediately, meeting someone is the cherry on top, not the entire dessert.
“Meeting someone should be the cherry on top of your ice cream, not the entire dessert.”
Put Your Phone Away
Leave your phone behind to avoid signaling disinterest; reading a book can be a conversation starter.
“Our phones and headphones have become defense mechanisms and signal ‘Do not approach or look at me’ to other people.”
Talk to People!
Initiate conversations by commenting on topics like sports teams or clothing to make interactions natural.
“If I overhear a group of guys talking about a sports team, especially one I don’t like, I have no problem inserting my opinion or cracking a joke.”
Eavesdrop
Listen to conversations and respond to create natural connections without being intrusive.
“Eavesdropping on the conversations happening around you is an easy way to introduce yourself and start up a conversation with someone.”
Talk to the Bartender
Bartenders are natural conversation starters; they might connect you with other patrons.
“Your bartenders might be familiar with that hot guy who’s sitting at the bar next to you.”
Become a Regular
Visit the same place regularly to build comfort and natural connections over time.
“You want to find places where there are built-in conversation starters because they make it easier to interact with strangers.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Approach People
Take the lead in conversations with eye contact, a smile, or a small talk starter.
“It can be eye contact, a smile, or starting a small conversation that gives him an opening to meet you there.”
It’s Okay to Have a Go-To Opening Line
Use low-pressure questions like what they usually order or their thoughts on a book to start conversations.
“It is low-pressure, gives the other person an easy out if they’re not interested, and opens the door naturally.”
Be Approachable
Use body language like smiling and eye contact to signal openness to conversation.
“If you’re hunched over your phone or have your arms crossed, you’re essentially wearing a ‘do not disturb’ sign.”
Here's the gist
Going out alone can help meet people by focusing on enjoyment and practice rather than immediate dating.
