Getting Others Interested in You
Pay attention to your outward appearance.
The way you look isn't the ticket to getting people to like you, but it can help. Make sure you're sending other people great body language. Be unique, be yourself. Getting Others Interested in You
Wash regularly, smell nice, and brush your teeth. Take a shower once a day. (Wash your hair every other day.) Wear a clean-smelling deodorant or a bit of perfume if you're a girl. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once. Getting Others Interested in You
Smile as much as you can! Signs of encouragement let people know you care about what they are saying. Smiling is a way of letting other people know you're happy as well, and people want to be around others who are happy. Getting Others Interested in You
Pay attention to the body language you're sending other people. Crossed arms, tapping feet, rolling eyes and sighing are all signs of boredom, exasperation, and disappointment. Make sure you're sending people the right messages with your body. Getting Others Interested in You
Start by doing little things if you are reserved.
For example, every time you go to school, work, or a party, say hello to someone and have a one-on-one conversation with them. Focus on the easier social tasks before going onto the harder ones; that way, your success will motivate you even more.
Say "hello" to those who don't talk much. Share something about yourself, such as where you're going or why you're there. Just be friendly. Avoid talking about the weather — as Tom Waits says, "Strangers talk about the weather." Ask them questions and learn about them if you're unsure about what to say. Getting Others Interested in You
Listen more than you talk. Instead of nodding and smiling and occasionally wiping the drool off your face, try to take what the person says and run with it. Add your own thoughts into the mix — but don't hijack the conversation. Conversation is a two-way street. Getting Others Interested in You
Don't expect perfection out of anyone, especially yourself. For example, if you forget your own name while introducing yourself (which probably won't happen), just make fun of the situation. Everyone slips up once in a while; it's how you recover that makes you likeable or awkward.
Share interesting/silly ideas. Your thoughts can open up many doors that can lead to friendship. You never know if something you say is going to cause people to think deeply, to laugh, or look at you in a different light.
Make friends with different sets of people.
The people who are considered popular may not be the sharpest tacks in the box, but they know how to reach out to other people and make them feel good by doing so. It is never too late to feel that being popular is important.
Talk to older people, maybe even your own folks. If you're respectful, older people will respect you back They won't ridicule you, make you feel inferior, or laugh at you. Gaining foothold with older people might help you feel more comfortable when it comes time to talk with people your own age. Getting Others Interested in You
Befriend the younger crowd if you are in middle school. Hanging out with kids a year or two younger may help you build confidence, which will help you with kids around your own age. It's true, no one wants to hang out with the 10-year old next door. But they'll be really easy to talk to, making your confidence skyrocket.
Organize an event with friends. Depending on your age, organize something to do with your friends and let them invite new people. Maybe organize a pickup soccer game, or a pool-party, or a happy hour after work. Try to get new people to join! Getting Others Interested in You
Be nice to others.
Always give compliments, but don't try too hard. If you are shy, take a deep breath and risk it - you never know what might happen. If you are shy on the outside but a little crazy on the inside, let it out once in a while. Wear your hair up high and spin around or dance. Others will laugh and find you funny and fun to be with. Getting Others Interested in You
Don't be defensive over something that's only an issue for you. For example, don't shout, "Why are you so prejudiced?" or "Why don't you like women?" when due to past situations you may just be overly sensitive. Try to always believe the best about others and give them the benefit of the doubt. Getting Others Interested in You
If you're arguing with someone about something stupid such as shoes, drop it. Try to get out of arguments that are dumb. If you're arguing because you were sticking up for your friend because someone was making fun of her and you were trying to stand up for her, then it's understandable.
Don't say nasty or offensive things to people. Avoid touchy subjects like politics, religion, and sexuality, because people get offended easily talking about them. If someone asks your opinion, give it to them, but understand that others may have different viewpoints. Getting Others Interested in You
Respect everyone, no matter what they think or say. They are a person and deserve to be treated with respect. If you treat people well they will treat you the same. Don't be offensive just to try to look cool or like you don't care. You risk alienating people and sounding like you don't know what you're talking about. Getting Others Interested in You
Find people who share your interests.
Get up, move and join a group of classmates that has similar interests whether at lunch or at a party. In that environment, it would be easier to meet people and make friends. And it's fine if your friends don't have much in common with you as long as you both are happy and comfortable.
If your friends judge/don't approve of something you do, they aren't friends. Your friends should protect you and look out for your well-being (so they might not be cool with smoking cigarettes), but other than that, they support what you do.
Join clubs and other extracurriculars that you're interested in. If you want to paint, join the Art club. If you like debate, join the debate team. Don't worry about what people say or think about you. If you're confident about what you do, they'll look silly making fun of you. Getting Others Interested in You
Don't worry about what group you fit into. You don't have to define yourself the way other people define you. If you want to be a part of the skateboard crew, then start skateboarding, and don't listen to other people if they tell you you're not a skater. Getting Others Interested in You
