We have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Watsapp, now Periscope and probably many more methods of communication and connection with other people to come. It’s not uncommon to find it hard to make friends in real life. Many of us are quiet, or prefer to be approached rather than be the approacher…but if you find it easier to do this online and you want to transfer those skills to real life then keep reading.
The number one thing to remember is no one likes a keyboard warrior. Don’t be that girl that is quiet in school then gets online and argues with people and says things they would never say in real life. Before you post or write anything online ask yourself first if this is something you would say out loud? Maybe even say it out loud first…
If you do take on a different persona online you will find it increasingly difficult to be yourself in real life and may find that you become even more shy.
Why do we find it easier to send a friend request than we do to say hello to someone we haven’t properly spoken to before? Do we just want to appear to have more friends than we do in reality? A smile is the real life equivalent to a friend request. If the person doesn’t smile back or is rude or mean, carry on being you. Smile again another time. Say hi. Always be kind, but if they aren’t willing to be your friend in real life then why do you want to give them access to see everything in your life anyway? Facebook friends should be real friends too.
Do you give people compliments on their Instagram pictures? Well go ahead and do it in real life! ‘Oh your hair looks pretty today girl!’ ‘I love your shoes, where did you get them?’ Online isn’t the only place where we can affirm one another with kind words and encouragement.
Try and spend just as much time offline hanging out with your mates as you do online. If you have some friends at school and the only time you speak outside of school is online, be the person to organise a group outing. Go to the cinema together, go bowling, dinner, the park, anything! Make those friendships built on something more solid than your internet connection.
