Ask Alee

Q: How do I make conversation with my friends?

I understand making conversations with friends can be hard, you just have be flexible with it.

– You can try bringing up something you know you all like and can make good conversation about. For example, if you’re with friends that like the same show you’re watching, feel free to ask them where they’ve reached and what they think so far. To make it sound a little less “robotic”, you could phrase it like “ooh do you remember what *a character* did?? it was so *your opinion*”, that can get a conversation going, it may or may not last long depending on the friend you’re talking to and what they’re doing at the moment.

– You could bring up an experience, preferably one that’s lighthearted and will make your friends laugh and keep the conversation going. Try not to talk about very heavy/sad topics when you’re first becoming friends, some people may not be comfortable with it if they don’t know you very well.

– You can use open-ended questions. For example, ask them how their weekend was and what they did that weekend, you can build on it buy paying attention and asking more questions. Doing that’ll show them you actually care and want to continue talking.

– Be attentive and show that you care. When you show people you care about what they’re saying and don’t make them feel like they’re talking to much, they’ll be more inclined to continue talking to you, and will want to talk to you more often.

– Be yourself. Don’t try and change your opinions to match your friends just to make sure they like you. Keep an open mind when they’re sharing their opinions though.

Keep in mind that sometimes people are busy and may be focused on other things at the moment, try not to feel to offended, I understand that sometimes it hurts a little especially when it’s someone whose company you really enjoy, but everyone has things to do and you need to learn to be okay with that.