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We all dread it: being at a party and knowing hardly anyone. As friends gather around in cliques, talking about what's been going on with their children or how their new workout routine is doing wonders for their love handles, you find yourself asking the wall if it would like to go out and get plastered. Knowing no one can be extremely intimidating. It's enough to make you want to crawl under the nearest couch, and hide away from loneliness. This kind of atmosphere is one laden with discomfort, making you long to get a root canal instead of attend a party; at least you'd know people in your dentist office. While a party like this is uncomfortable, there are ways to make it more welcoming. With a few tips you can work a room and have a good time, talking to people besides yourself. Make Eye Contact and Smile Eye contact and a smile can speak volumes. As far as nonverbal communication is concerned, these actions are the loudest. Eye contact demonstrates respect and is often the starting point of any kind of communication; it's hard to talk to someone who you aren't looking at. A smile shows a person that you are non-threatening, welcoming them to initiate conversation with you, or paving the way for you to initiate it with them. Compliment Someone Everyone likes to receive compliments, as long as they are genuine. If you see someone wearing a pair of shoes you love, go ahead and tell them. That will not only propel you into their good graces, but it will also allow a conversation to be initiated. From something as simple as telling a person you like their shoes, you open up the ability to discuss where those shoes were purchased, which could ultimately lead to a lengthy conversation about fashion and shopping in general. Read up on Current Events The news may seem like a boring show, and many people may long for the day when it’s canceled and replaced by a less depressing sitcom, but the news is full of conversation starters. Before attending a party, take some time to watch the news or read up on the current events. Possessing knowledge of what is presently going on in the world arms you with topics to discuss. You can ask a person at the party what they think of the latest Hollywood scandal, or you can state that you were surprised about how odd the weather has been in the northeast. This will almost always lead to further conversation. Ask Questions Whenever you are struggling to make conversation with a stranger, just ask questions. Showing interest in someone else makes that person interested in you. From asking someone where they grew up to inquiring where they met their spouse, conversing with a stranger provides opportunity for innumerable questions to be asked. But, be careful that your questions don’t get too personal. When initially meeting someone, it’s best to stray away from taboo questions: stray away from asking what religion they are, asking what they think of the latest presidential candidate, asking if they are PMSing. Find a Commonality Even if you’re at a party with a room full of strangers, you have a commonality: you are all at the same party for a reason. Perhaps you are all friends with the host, or perhaps you are work in the same field, whatever the commonality is, it’s yours for the finding. Commonalities are often the basis of relationships, and conversations. When speaking to someone, try to find the commonality the two of you have. Ask them how they know the person throwing the party or what it is their job entails. Once a commonality is established, other conversation tends to easily flow. Take it Easy on the Drinks A party is definitely a time to eat, drink, and be merry. But, you don’t want to drink so much that you make a fool out of yourself. Having a glass of wine or two is definitely a good way to calm your nerves, perhaps making it easier to be social towards those you don’t know. But, if you don’t draw the line, you may end up being known as “that girl” or “that guy”; you know the type, the type that can’t hold their alcohol and ends up the talk of the party for all the wrong reasons. Drink moderately, instead of excessively. No matter what anyone says, wearing a lamp shade over your head is no longer fashionable. It’s so 1980’s. Offer Assistance Everyone appreciates a helping hand. If you find yourself feeling a little out of place, find a way to offer assistance to someone. This can be anything from offering to set out the punch bowl to gathering used plates. Another way you can offer assistance is by using your own experiences to make suggestions to others. For example, if you overhear a conversation where someone is complaining about back problems, you might advise them to get a new mattress. Knowing that you’ve been in a similar situation, with back problems of the past, and knowing that a natural latex mattress relieved you of these problems, you might suggest they also try a natural latex mattress. You can then go on to relay pertinent information, saying that because of the support they offer, pressure points don’t build up, and sleep is overall more comfortable. The person to whom you’re speaking might not leave the party right away to go buy a natural latex mattress, but they’ll likely take your advice to heart, and they will be grateful for your suggestion. Working a room can be uncomfortable, particularly when that room is full of strange faces. But, keep in mind that you’re probably not the only one who feels out of place; there’s bound to be others who don’t know anyone. Everyone is somewhat uncomfortable at a party; attending a party is similar to being on the dance floor: everyone is a little insecure about their moves. But, by using the above tips, you may find that a party where you know no one turns into a party where you know almost everyone.
Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com
Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for www.foamsource.com. When she isn't sleeping on a FoamSource mattress, she concentrates on living as comfortably as possible.
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