Questions tagged [socializing]
For questions about socially mixing up with others, or make someone behave in a way that is acceptable to their society.
129
questions
141
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24
answers
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How do I answer the question "why are you vegan?" honestly, without making them resent me?
I am a vegan, only for ethical reasons. It is something I'm very willing to discuss. I have deliberated about it very carefully, for a long time, and have read papers and text books on the philosophy ...
- 1,299
85
votes
12
answers
22k
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How do I answer a question about not enjoying a party without revealing sensitive information?
I don't go to parties often; in fact, I actively avoid them as much as humanly possible. Still, sometimes social obligations get the better of me and I begrudgingly attend.
Most of the times I get ...
- 10.7k
74
votes
23
answers
34k
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Is it rude to ask someone where they are from originally? [closed]
Introduction
This question is different from this excellent one, since it is not about tourists. The differences will become clear later on, I hope.
I will, as usual, use fake names (Alice and Eve ...
73
votes
7
answers
80k
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How to determine if someone is busy or just doesn't want to spend time with me?
A friend of mine, Tim, is often busy. I've been trying to make plans with him to go out for drinks, but he seems to be busy every time I make this offer. This happens fairly often so I have a slight ...
- 2,632
62
votes
6
answers
42k
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How do I politely indicate that I want to go home?
Situation: I hang out with A for a while. Having lunch together, shopping for a bit. I now feel tired and I want to go home. I don't dislike the person and I don't want to give them the impression I ...
- 640
61
votes
12
answers
54k
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Appropriate response when someone announces pregnancy?
When someone tells me that they or their partner are pregnant, my typical response is "Congratulations!"
But I have found out that this remark is not always appropriate- notably when the pregnancy is ...
- 1,936
53
votes
18
answers
21k
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How can I convincingly communicate to a friend that I don't have a 'personal' mobile number?
I dislike telephone communication in general, compared to face-to-face interactions. I am not interested in communicating with anybody with mobile phone, for socialising or professional purposes. I ...
- 10.5k
53
votes
6
answers
13k
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How can I handle a co-worker awkwardly forcing herself into conversations?
Background:
I've recently started working on a new project, in a team of around 10 people. I'm the only female on that team, but the guys are awesome and it's a great, fun group of people to work with....
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49
votes
6
answers
10k
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How best to conduct myself if bringing my significant other to a party where they do not know anyone?
If I am bringing my significant other (SO) to a party where they do not know anyone, and also, the people in attendance all have something in common and are gathering for a common reason - in this ...
- 481
49
votes
7
answers
9k
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How to avoid short answers when talking to my family? [duplicate]
I am a 30 year old programmer, and I feel like becoming more and more a "program" myself.
When talking with friends or families, except for a certain group of friends with whom it's always ...
- 603
45
votes
10
answers
22k
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Boyfriend always responds "I didn't mean to" when he gets feedback [closed]
My boyfriend (been together 4 years) will always respond with "I didn't mean to!", when someone points out to him he did something wrong. It always sounds slightly accusatory when he says it, like he ...
- 8,050
44
votes
10
answers
79k
views
It's my birthday! How do I tell people who don't know, who might want to know, without being awkward?
It's my birthday*! It's a rather important birthday.
There are a lot of people who might want to know such a thing, because of social customs or friendliness or something. One of those things.
...
user2203
43
votes
8
answers
15k
views
How can I say I want to be left alone without having to explain myself or lie about it?
In all my jobs so far I have had coworkers who spent their lunch breaks together. At my current job there are a lot of restaurants close and everyone goes there during their break.
I'm a very ...
- 8,510
42
votes
13
answers
22k
views
How to turn down 'stay in touch' proposal from manipulative ex-coworker when leaving job/moving?
I recently quit my job, after a three months notice, and I've changed my region of residence (it's like moving to another state in the USA, but the regions are smaller).
The last day, when everyone ...
- 955
41
votes
11
answers
11k
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How can you distance yourself from people you have nothing in common with without being a snob?
Over the last couple of months, I was entrusted by a few people in my workplace with the fact that I was considered a snob by a large part of the staff. That sort of hit a soft spot since I always ...
- 2,299
40
votes
13
answers
21k
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How to get my coworkers and family to respect my hobby
Since I was a little boy, I have always been fascinated by model trains. As I advanced in age, I mastered the art of model train assembly and have gone on various trips around the country to show off ...
- 457
37
votes
7
answers
8k
views
How do I recover from my social awkwardness being pointed out?
I am shy, introverted, and have social anxiety, so chatting with people I don't know is usually very uncomfortable. I've gotten better at it, but it's still a struggle. On a few occasions it's been ...
- 13.6k
36
votes
4
answers
11k
views
How do I tell my friends that I want to be included in activities beyond our gaming sessions without alienating them?
I'm approaching a social situation now where I'm straddling the line of authority figure and friend, and while I think I have a plan set to address this, I'd like some input from others, get some ...
- 363
33
votes
7
answers
7k
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How to deal with coworkers making comments on my dietary/lifestyle choices
I work at an office where I'm the only vegan in the company and a I choose to eat a lot healthier than most people in the company.
People find it necessary to make comments about my lifestyle choice. ...
- 1,223
30
votes
10
answers
65k
views
WhatsApp: read and not reply without sounding rude?
Many people who contact me on WhatsApp send me (too) many messages. Most of those messages are pointless, some are useful and few are important. I usually make it a point to reply to the important ...
- 1,578
29
votes
4
answers
2k
views
How to address fallout from my meltdowns and to avoid ruining social relationships
The problem
While I am a very high functioning autistic and can act "normal" most of the time. Most people don't know I have autism, esp at work or other controlled situations so it's not a problem ...
user4548
28
votes
4
answers
6k
views
How to let acquaintances know I'm not interested in them romantically
I am new in the town and I am currently looking for a new job, so I am trying to meet as many people as possible. I attend different business and hobby networks and meet people there.
Sometimes after ...
user17962
25
votes
17
answers
20k
views
How to respond when people mock a skill or talent they just found out you do/have?
I am a fairly high level, long time practicing martial artist. Generally when talking to people I don't know, if the subject comes up I get (almost invariably) one of two reactions from people that ...
- 4,249
25
votes
7
answers
14k
views
Are there any ways to avoid unwanted approaches when not wearing a wedding ring?
I am happily married man and have no interest in engaging in a relationship outside of it. I have heard that wearing a wedding ring alerts women to the fact that I'm married and not looking for ...
- 369
25
votes
9
answers
25k
views
How to refuse to shake hands without offending the other party?
TL;DR: I don't like to shake hands and I'm looking for suggestions about how to turn people down without seeming rude or stand-offish; or how to prevent a handshake gesture from being initiated at all....
- 359
23
votes
2
answers
18k
views
How to handle a partner trying to control whom I follow on instagram?
So this is the age-old situation with a modern take on it, my girlfriend is asking me to stop following certain girls on instagram. It just happened like this and I'm scared this becomes a slippery ...
user18215
19
votes
8
answers
40k
views
Message being seen but not responded, what is the correct response?
I will sometimes ask a friend how their day was or another question via chat message. Sometimes the message will be marked as read but then they don't respond for a few day or even longer (6 months). ...
- 297
19
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Is it OK to engage in strangers' conversation during a break in a lecture?
I was recently on an public meeting with 2 famous journalists. As it's usual, firstly there was an organized discussion lead by the host, after which there was a space for questions from the audience. ...
- 600
19
votes
2
answers
2k
views
How to create a mindset which promotes fluid and spontaneous talk
I often find myself having issues having "smalltalk" or talks which are not directly aiming for some kind of solution or end, but are rather for amusement and as a pastime.
When talking with people, ...
- 493
19
votes
4
answers
1k
views
How do I make it known to a group of friends that I need a little more patience to communicate with?
I am the kind of person that is quiet until I feel welcomed in a group of people, and even then, I still am relatively quiet until spoken to.
Important information to consider:
I am deaf with ...
- 3,575
18
votes
11
answers
11k
views
How do I ask someone to stop changing your plans?
Background:
I am a 25-year-old male and I have two best friends. I have known them almost my entire life and they are like brothers to me. We also hang out with other friends from school/college every ...
user9265
18
votes
5
answers
4k
views
How can I help a close person that is toxic seek professional help?
The person I'm talking about is my own mother.
She has depression and she's seeing a doctor.
It is a little rough talking about your own kind like this, but as rough as it is, it's the truth.
My ...
- 561
18
votes
2
answers
1k
views
How can I (an introvert) convey to extroverts that I need time to rest/recover after talking?
I'm a really introverted person and conversations can quickly feel quite exhausting and mentally draining for me. Of course I like to have a social life and enjoy it to have nice chitchats with ...
- 189
18
votes
5
answers
7k
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How do I appear more friendly when I have a fierce-looking face?
I was born with a naturally fierce-looking face. Piercing blue eyes, heavy brow, downturned mouth. All due to my genetics. In addition, I tend to scowl when I'm worried or thinking deeply. I can ...
- 1,658
17
votes
3
answers
4k
views
How to socialize at pubs/bars when you are alone?
Near my town there's a nice pub which is the only place in a big radius which offers live rock, metal and acoustic music (other venues offers DJs which puts reggaeton, hip hop, trap and EDM) and a ...
- 1,111
17
votes
4
answers
8k
views
How can I relax and stay natural around other people?
Usually, when I am by myself, I am a very calm and peaceful person. I can easily just be where I am and enjoy what is happening, maybe the sun shining, the air being especially clear or my room just ...
- 493
16
votes
5
answers
6k
views
How to encourage conversations beyond small talk with close friends
I had 2 friends in high school, and we were quite close. Then college life started, and we went to different colleges. One of them went to a college out of state. And so there was no physical contact ...
16
votes
10
answers
9k
views
Why don't people initiate conversations with me? [closed]
I don't really understand why no one actually initiates conversations with me, they always just seem to talk to someone else near me but not actually me. All of my friends start discussions with my ...
- 331
16
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Silent/Awkward meal with coworkers
In the company I'm in we always go to eat a meal together at a restaurant very near to our office. This has been so for a very long time I have been told. I'm pretty new. I've worked there for about a ...
- 2,887
16
votes
6
answers
3k
views
How to politely inform others that I don't drink?
I don't have a "good reason" for not drinking.I'm not religious, I don't have medical issues, a few family members are alcoholics but most of them don't abuse alcohol, I'm not conscious about what I ...
- 1,936
16
votes
4
answers
4k
views
What to do when a group conversation is not interesting?
Here's a little background on what type of people I'm dealing with:
They're all in the same university that I go to. It's a faculty of engineering that has the most strict entrance exam in my country,...
- 193
15
votes
5
answers
4k
views
Do I need to force myself into social interactions [closed]
I am 18 year old male, and I have PDDNOS (a form of autism). I don't feel comfortable with most social interactions around strangers. I am struggling with the choice of forcing myself in social ...
- 1,126
15
votes
1
answer
947
views
How can I do mirroring online, similar to my mirroring in person?
TLDR: I'd like to be able to use mirroring online, similar to how I do this in person, and change my communication style online so that it will be more well-received by people, and be more similar to ...
- 269
13
votes
6
answers
3k
views
How can I gain an "acceptable" personal space talking with a "close talker"?
I'm frequently in a situation where the person I'm talking to stands so close to me that I feel their breath on my face when they are talking. For me, this is uncomfortable and I consider too close. ...
- 337
12
votes
1
answer
6k
views
How to compliment a woman’s makeup?
Situation:
Yesterday I was instructed to go to a small conference several of my colleagues were attending. It was short in duration and gave everyone the opportunity to socialize a bit after it was ...
- 3,368
12
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How to talk to people at a singles mixer when you are an introvert? [closed]
I am going to a singles mixer in a few days. I'm an introvert and find it hard to make small talk with people I don't know. How do I make the most of a singles mixer (that is, meet people and have ...
user20670
11
votes
5
answers
4k
views
Why do (half-)strangers say "I'm sure you'll love it" when they don't know my interests?
Sometimes a complete stranger, or someone I've only known very recently, will recommend something to me, saying: I'm sure you'll love it!
Why would they say that? They can hope, and perhaps expect ...
- 2,051
11
votes
3
answers
6k
views
How to tell a friend that she is too loud when she speaks without offending?
My partner and I hang out with another couple. We share many interests, have children of the same age, and are fairly compatible in many aspects. So all is fine for spending several hours together ...
- 213
11
votes
9
answers
3k
views
How to find friends as a programmer (teenager)? [closed]
First, I want to apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong site, but I hope this is the right one.
My question "how to find friends" might be very unclear at the beginning, but it's very common in ...
- 127
11
votes
2
answers
10k
views
How can I re-open contact with old friends without looking too awkward?
I'm extremely bad at staying in touch with people. I feel absolutely no inclination to pick up a phone and call someone, or text, or email (even if I did, I wouldn't know what to talk about).
That ...
- 439