-George Bernard Shaw.
It’s interesting how when you open up to people, they reciprocate. It’s amazing how shut in and closed off a person can be if they stop communicating with others. Have you ever noticed that most people don’t like to start conversations? A lot of people feel intimidated and out of sorts if they walk into a room filled with people they don’t know. And public speaking, most people fear that more than death, or so the rumor goes. Why is this? I think it’s because they are shut off from others, sometimes for long stretches where they never challenge themselves to try harder, do more, experience something new.
When you open up to someone, even if it’s only one person, you get a chance to learn about who they are, what they are interested in, and what motivates and inspires them. Just recently I was talking with a guy I know at work. We’ve known each other for a while, but up until now, before I mentioned I was learning to play the saxohone, I had no idea he was musically inclined. Turns out he knows how to play several instruments. None of them are the sax, but still, I learned something, simply because I was willing to offer a little bit of information about myself, and listen to him.
Having friends is a rewarding and enriching experience. The more friends you have, the more rewarding experiences you can have. If you find it difficult to make friends, or speak to those you don’t know, expand your experiences by taking up a hobbie. I took up surfing and the saxophone, and you know what, I’ve met people who are interested in the same thing. What is more, I’ve learned that friends I already have are interested in the same things. Look at it like this; I’m building social bridges with multiple people. The more bridges I build, the more I can cross and get to know more people. The effort you put into expanding your interest pool and simply talking to people will enrich your life in ways you can’t imagine. So, get talking!
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