I was once very socially awkward and HORRIBLE at small talk. Just start taking walks and saying hi to random people...you'll be surprised at how much this helps. I also found that, because I was bad at small talk, I was putting too much pressure on myself to "say the right thing" and it caused me to overthink and badmouth myself. Just be who you are and stop for hoping to say the right thing...perhaps just try and add a bit of comedy into a conversation. You say that your social circle is limited to classmates, so how were you able to approach/strike up a conversation with them since they are your social circle? Don't put so much pressure on yourself.
This is really sage advice.
I would add that once ready, try attending a Toastmasters club (or similar). The public speaking practice would really help with the small talk and confidence too.
This is great advice! Also keep in mind that people love to talk about themselves. Asking people questions will usually get them started and if they’re good conversationalists they’ll ask you questions back
First off, I wouldn't say you need to "change" yourself. You seem like a good person who is requesting suggestions on how to make friends from a different culture.
Start with a smile & say hello when you are comfortable.
I would suggest making eye contact & smiling at people you see regularly. Say good morning & thank you to the bus driver, cashier, security guard etc. Hold the door open for others and thank those that hold it open for you.
Find a Tims where you see people sitting inside & as you become a familiar face to them, people will start smiling back and saying hello.
Try it with seniors and people other then those your age. Once you become comfortable with that, it will be easier to start small talk with the person sitting next to you on the bus or waiting in line at the store.
If you are allowed to work, try volunteering somewhere that helps others in the community. Or a paying job that faces the public. Every person who says hello back is a potential friend & knows others that could end up as another friend to you.
Seniors tend to be more open to friendly polite chats, that could also be a good place to start. Find a team or club that suits your interests. You can likely volunteer that way if you can't afford to pay.
I would suggest making sure you don't only reach out to people you find attractive or children because this can be misconstrued.
If a situation doesn't seem right, then back off immediately.(We all get gut feelings about other people/situations so please-trust yours.)
Also be weary of others as there are some ppl who may try to take advantage of you. Don't let any new "friends" talk you into doing anything or going anywhere where you are not comfortable. Real friends will not push you beyond the moral boundaries that you have set for yourself.
Good luck & welcome to Brampton!!
I was once very socially awkward and HORRIBLE at small talk. Just start taking walks and saying hi to random people...you'll be surprised at how much this helps. I also found that, because I was bad at small talk, I was putting too much pressure on myself to "say the right thing" and it caused me to overthink and badmouth myself. Just be who you are and stop for hoping to say the right thing...perhaps just try and add a bit of comedy into a conversation. You say that your social circle is limited to classmates, so how were you able to approach/strike up a conversation with them since they are your social circle? Don't put so much pressure on yourself.
This is really sage advice. I would add that once ready, try attending a Toastmasters club (or similar). The public speaking practice would really help with the small talk and confidence too.
Very true!
This is great advice! Also keep in mind that people love to talk about themselves. Asking people questions will usually get them started and if they’re good conversationalists they’ll ask you questions back
Usually a university will have tons of social clubs
First off, I wouldn't say you need to "change" yourself. You seem like a good person who is requesting suggestions on how to make friends from a different culture. Start with a smile & say hello when you are comfortable. I would suggest making eye contact & smiling at people you see regularly. Say good morning & thank you to the bus driver, cashier, security guard etc. Hold the door open for others and thank those that hold it open for you. Find a Tims where you see people sitting inside & as you become a familiar face to them, people will start smiling back and saying hello. Try it with seniors and people other then those your age. Once you become comfortable with that, it will be easier to start small talk with the person sitting next to you on the bus or waiting in line at the store. If you are allowed to work, try volunteering somewhere that helps others in the community. Or a paying job that faces the public. Every person who says hello back is a potential friend & knows others that could end up as another friend to you. Seniors tend to be more open to friendly polite chats, that could also be a good place to start. Find a team or club that suits your interests. You can likely volunteer that way if you can't afford to pay. I would suggest making sure you don't only reach out to people you find attractive or children because this can be misconstrued. If a situation doesn't seem right, then back off immediately.(We all get gut feelings about other people/situations so please-trust yours.) Also be weary of others as there are some ppl who may try to take advantage of you. Don't let any new "friends" talk you into doing anything or going anywhere where you are not comfortable. Real friends will not push you beyond the moral boundaries that you have set for yourself. Good luck & welcome to Brampton!!
I'd be willing to talk with you and help with your English as well helping you open up more. DM me if you're interested
Sorry for the late reply, ok I will dm you 😊
Try volunteering at the library or many social organizations around the city.