Do you struggle with making connections at parties and social events? Are you always left sitting in the corner, nursing your drink, wondering why you can’t seem to strike up a conversation with the person who has caught your eye?
Well, you could be making some key mistakes which are cutting your chances to develop connections and meet new mates! Check below for our list of the tops four ways not to approach meeting someone at a party.
Hanging Out in a Pack
Going out with friends can be a fantastic way to meet someone new, but not if you literally surround yourself with obstacles! Having to fight their way through a close knit crowd can be enough to put some people off and approaching a large group of people you don’t know can be daunting to even the most confident of potential dates.
So, if you are going out with the aim of meeting someone new, keep your group numbers down to five and under. If you do arrive in a large group, and catch someone’s eye, make an excuse such as heading to the bathroom, getting another drink, or wanting to chat to friend you’ve spotted to peel off for a little while (always tell someone exactly where you’re going and how long you’ll be.)
But Don’t Forgo Friends Altogether!
On the other hand, heading out alone to meet someone can be intimidating and awkward as well! Supportive friends will help to boost your confidence, motivate you to make your move, and ensure you enjoy your night even if you don’t meet anybody special!
And if the person who catches your eye has brought some friends along too, it can be easier to casually get to know each other in a group setting without any pressure.
Don’t Chat Someone’s Ear Off.
It can feel fantastic to find yourself in the midst of a three hour long conversation with a potential partner, but when you are nervous and drunk it can be difficult to judge when and if the other person want’s to move on.
Fifteen to twenty minute conversations are ideal to begin with. You can get to know each other on a surface level, judge if you’re both interested and swap details. And keeping it short will make sure you have plenty to talk about when you do meet up one on one.
Sitting Out the Night on the Side-lines
If you feel shy or timid it can be very tempting to grab a drink and then pick a corner to hid in for the rest of the night with your friends. But even if you are the most attractive person on the face of earth, hiding in the shadows is unlikely to prove successful.
Spend some time on the dancefloor, circulate through the crowds and socialise at the bar. Move at a slow confident speed, make eye contact, and allow opportunities for encounters to arise. After all, that’s what you’re there for!
