|
MAKE NEW P-A-L-S Have
you moved over the summer? Are
you in a new neighborhood and a new school?
Maybe you're in the same place and want to branch out to meet new
people, but the idea of making new friends breaks you out in a cold sweat.
If
you are one of the types who quiver at the thought of saying
"hi" to someone you haven't known since birth, relax.
Below is a simple, painless way to meet new people.
And, it's easy to remember. The
first letter of each step spells the word PALS.
And, that's just what you're going to learn how to make.
The first thing you need to do is… 1.
PREPARE. No, don't worry.
There's not studying involved here; just brushing up on things that
interest you. Are you
interested in sports? Then,
prepare for meeting new people by tucking away some interesting facts.
Where were the first Olympic Games held?
Who holds the world record in long distance running?
A great place to look for current facts is in the World Almanac,
available in most libraries. By
preparing, it makes you ready to... 2. ASK QUESTIONS.
Who doesn't like to talk about themselves?
Come on, admit it, you do.
Most people like to talk about themselves with someone who is
interested in them. And, that's where you come in.
Start the ball rolling by asking the new person one of your
questions, then find out what they're interested in.
Are they interested in competitive biking? Oh no! You don't
know a thing about it? Great!
Ask them questions. Who competes?
Where do they go to practice?
Is it hard to learn? And,
after you ask all those questions, be sure to... 3. LISTEN. Sound
simple? Well, maybe.
Can you think of anybody you know who talks non-stop?
Frustrating, isn't it? They
say hello and never quit talking about themselves until you're out of
earshot. When you ask a
question, make sure to listen to the answer.
Look the person in the eye and nod your head so they know you're
interested in what they have to say.
If you're looking around the room or trying to listen to your
neighbor's conversation, your new friend might quit talking -- and never
start again! Make sure that
when you listen, you... 4. SMILE! Show those pearly whites!
It does make a difference. Anyone
in your school who walks around and mopes all the time?
Doesn't make you want to rush over and meet them, does it?
Someone who is smiling and acts happy seems to invite people to
talk. That smile says to
potential friends, "I'm interested in what you're saying."
Or, "Come on over. I'm
a blast to hang around with." So,
stick on a smile. It's not always easy to make new friends. But, if you remember to, Prepare, Ask questions, Listen and Smile, you're sure to make lots of new PALS. |