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Social Skills

Have you ever been around a small child, like 1-3 years old? They’re so awkward! They have no social skills. Yeah, maybe they’re cute, but man they’re awkward. They poke people, hit people, take things out of people’s hands—things we could never get away with socially as we grow up.

As you grow up and continue to mature, you’re going to have to learn to interact well with other people. You’ll need to gain social skills: the ability to interact with and have strong relationships with other people.

Here are three social skills to help you out.

1. Look people in the eye. It shows them you care, are confident, and that you’re listening.
2. Ask questions. A great way to get to know people is to ask questions to learn about what interests them.
3. Put others first. Try to give other people what they need instead of always demanding your needs be met first.

When you develop your social skills, you’ll actually get to know your friends. Instead of sitting around with someone just playing video games or texting someone next to them, actually interact with them as a person. Go a little deeper than just being an activity friend. In other words, be able to hang out and enjoy being around someone even if there’s nothing else to do except—gulp—talk to each other.

So what are some social skills you need to gain?