Do you still remember when you were a small kid and making friends was as easy as ABC? We could easily go up to another kid, start playing with each other and have lots of fun!
At this age, do you feel like it’s so tough to connect with another person? Do you feel awkward and uneasy when surrounded with strangers? Do you struggle to make a conversation with someone you just met? When a stranger says “Hi” to you, how do you respond? Do you say “Hi” back, or you start to wonder if this person has any ulterior motive for chatting you up?
I remember this incident very clearly.
A new family moved into my block on the 10th level. One day, as I took the lift down, the door opened on the 10th level and this new Caucasian neighbour walked in.
Neighbour: “Hi, how’s your day?”
Me: “Hey, it’s been great so far. Hope it gets even better. How’s yours?”
Door opened on 9th level and a middle-aged chinese lady walked in.
Neighbour: “Hi how’s your day?”
Lady completely ignored him and stared straight at the lift door, with her back to the guy. Guy turned to face me again and shrugged, completely puzzled. There was an awkward silence in the lift. When we reached the 1st level, the lady walked out immediately.
Neighbour: “I guess people here aren’t too used to receiving friendly greetings.”
Me: “We could have continued our conversation but I guess the atmosphere just now was a little awkward. Haha. Say ‘Hi” to me again next time, I’ll respond!”
We wished each other well for the day and parted ways.
What happen to being friendly? What made us start to doubt a sincere greeting & shun away from wishing each other well?
When was the last time you made a new friend?
When was the last time you tried connecting to someone new?
Make a new friend today!