Personally, I understand that sometimes forcing friendliness is not gonna work. Check with the other person to see if they are also interested in maintaining a conversation at the same pace that you are and want. If not, it's ok to continue looking for other people to connect with.
However, don't forget to be open, and remember that building any relationship requires some intention invested in it. :)
Related Recs
🔍
this might not all apply to you, but sometimes if I overthink social interactions in general, I end up missing out on what could have been a really good conversation. I usually like to ask myself what I’m genuinely curious about/want to know about a specific person and let my questions lead into a more fruitful discussion. worst case scenario is that don’t take the bait and then the conversation ends, but most of the time I find people like talking about themselves, which can lead to something y’all have in common.
I also don’t put pressure on myself to “make a friend” after one interaction. some people require crumbs of interactions before they start to let you in!
Mar 27, 2024
❓
Best way to discover the early sparks of friendships, in my experience, is to be genuinely curious about those you happen across. Ask them questions. Find out and ask about their "true self" list of conversation topics.
As you probe and listen and make space for them to talk with a long runway, they'll likely do the same. If not, no worries, there's always someone else.
Feb 11, 2025
🤝
Wanting to genuinely get to know someone without an agenda should be the new currency.
Thinking someone is interesting and wanting to know a bit of their story is what makes this experience human.
These types of exchanges are boosting the frequencyyyy.
Listening without biased judgement is the most compelling you can be.
I have learned I can't figure out who I am without other people.
May 30, 2025
Top Recs from @DidNDone
💪
Halfway through beating the shit out of this cancer.
May 28, 2025
May 25, 2025