Sometimes, for some reason, we may experience difficulties in making new acquaintances and establishing communication with strangers. The reasons for this may be different. For example, a person is by nature unsociable, he has little experience of communication. Perhaps fears are an obstacle - fear of not being liked, of looking boring, of saying something out of place. In this case, the person is most often constrained and at a loss when communicating. Of course, each case needs to be sorted out, but there are several general recommendations that can help you feel more confident when communicating with a stranger for the first time and successfully build a dialogue. 1. A smile opens many doors We unconsciously more often We are most drawn to those people who are friendly; with their friendliness they evoke positivity and pleasant emotions. 2. Name of the interlocutor If you call a person by name during a conversation, this will help to inspire trust and sympathy. Don’t be afraid to ask the person’s name again if you have forgotten it. 3. Listening skills Everyone likes it. when they are listened to. And, yes, it’s always not very pleasant when someone interrupts your speech. 4. Don’t be silent Staying silent for too long is not the best way to establish a trusting atmosphere during communication. Talk about yourself, your interests, and respond to the words of your interlocutor. Sometimes it is enough to show feedback in the form of monosyllabic sentences. 5. Forgiveness No one can know in advance what may offend the interlocutor. It’s better to immediately ask for forgiveness without delay. 6. Refusal is also important. Everything is good in moderation. If you don’t like something in communication, you shouldn’t agree and please. You also have to refuse. But this is for yourself! Take care of yourself. 7. Without moralizing No one will ever like it if they lecture him. 8. Common ground Warm relationships, as a rule, begin with common interests. Try to find them. There are no perfect recommendations. However, even these are enough to gain positive experience in communicating with strangers. Sincerely, your psychotherapist, coach, interpersonal relations specialist, Natalya Akhmedova