Meet People: social functions

I won't spend much time explaining why it's so rewarding to meet new people, since I hope it's fairly obvious. Instead, I will focus on a possible situation and strategy for meeting people. Social functions are one of the most common situations available for making acquaintances. Most people already go to various meetings, parties, and gatherings, but often they don't talk to unfamiliar people. They tend to form a group with people they already know, standing in a closed circle that inadvertently excludes outsiders. Without their friends present, they often become wallflowers, fading into the background. Other people seem to drift through the room, passing from group to group and talking with lots of new people. These are the social butterflies.

Which group are you in?

If you're the wallflower type, try this: pluck yourself from the wall, and join a group that looks friendly and receptive. Introduce yourself, maybe tell why you are there, and ask what they had been discussing (unless you already know, in which case you can state your opinion or ask a question). Be a good listener--wallflower types tend to be good at this--but don't be afraid to put your two cents in. Think about the topic, examine your viewpoint, and state your opinions when it is appropriate to do so. Feel free to disagree with someone else's opinion. Someone who always agrees is about as interesting as a pull-string doll. If you're nervous about talking to unfamiliar people, ask yourself if it really matters whether you sound like a fool or not. Do these people have authority over you? If not, why bother trying to appeal to them? Don't let shyness or timidity hold you back from being assertive and social.

As for social butterflies, you don't need much advice on this topic. You already meet new people all the time. Here is my only suggestion: actively seek out those people that stand on the sidelines. If you are a social butterfly, alight on a wallflower.