How can I be more outgoing and friendly?

Hi!

Here are some steps to become more outgoing. Some or all of them might help you. Above all, have CONFIDENCE. Trust yourself and be yourself!

1. Think about one of these kids you admire the most, and then try to say specifically what characteristics you like. Pick two or three of these, and work on them. It’s easier to change things about yourself if you have a clear idea of what you are trying to accomplish.

2. Think of yourself as an actress/actor - and I do not mean you should be fake. Simply think of yourself as in a role…a slightly more outgoing you. You could be nervous on the inside, but make an effort to appear calm and cool on the outside.

3. Do something funky. Wear that shirt you bought because you loved it, but you’ve never worn it because it’s a little too weird. Put crazy shoelaces in your shoes. These are little confidence boosters. You CAN be different and more outgoing, and people will most like react positively.

4. Make up a little mantra for yourself. It sounds all new age, but a few repetitions of something like ‘I am confident and fun’ can remind you that you’re trying to get over your self-consciousness.

5. Finally, remember this isn’t going to happen overnight. It’ll be especially hard with people who already know you, as you fit into a certain personality slot in their minds, and it will take time to change their mind (and yours!)