A short advice video by Dr. Aziz presenting three simple steps to meet new people and build connections: (1) go where people are (in-person places or online communities), (2) actively interact/approach others and challenge anxious self-talk, and (3) follow up after initial contact to create lasting friendships.
Three simple steps to meet new people for connection or friendship. Number one, you have to go where people are. Now, in this day and age, that could be literally physically someplace still very good and easiest way to do it, I think. And number two might be online communities. Now you're where people are. Step number two is you have to interact with those people. Trust me, I know when I was a lot of social anxiety, I would, like cling to the wall and hide in the corner and all of a sudden I can't meet people. So you need to actually put yourself out there, go approach people. And the biggest obstacle here is not that you can't do it, it's a story in your head that says they're not going to want to talk with me, and if so, watch more videos on my ch. Free yourself of that. You can go freely, approach anyone and remember that you belong at every table. And then number three is you got to follow up. Because even if you have a connection with someone, if you don't text them afterwards, if you don't say, hey, let's connect and actually take the time to do it, then life's busy. People forget each other and move on. So follow up and create the connection and then you'll have a deeper opportunity for friendship.
