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!2 ways to improve social skills (article)

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!2 ways to improve social skills (article)

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I would like to try to be more social, I have a good amount of friends I hang around with, but I would like to know more people and open my social circle.

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If you feel like you're the awkward person at social events or you struggle to enter into conversations because you're shy, it can impact your social life and your career. However, you can start improving your social skills by following these 12 strategies and soon, you'll be able to enter into conversations with confidence.

1. Behave Like a Social Person

You can behave like a more social creature, even if you don't feel like it. Don't allow anxiety to hold you back. Make the decision to talk to new people and to enter into conversations even when you're feeling nervous about it. Over time, it will get easier and you'll quickly start improving your social skills.

2. Start Small if Necessary

If going to a party or spending time in a crowd seems overwhelming, start small. Go into the grocery store and say, "Thank you," to the clerk or go to a restaurant and order your food. Practice making small talk gradually.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

If you want the attention off you in a conversation, get familiar with open-ended questions. Encourage others to talk so you won't have to make the idle chit-chat. Ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer and you may open the door to invite the other person to keep the conversation going.

4. Encourage Others to Talk About Themselves

Most people really enjoy talking about themselves. Ask a question about a person's career, hobbies, or family. Show you're interested in hearing what is being said.

5. Create Goals For Yourself

Establish some small goals for yourself. Perhaps you want to practice one particular skill or maybe you want to start attending a social activity in your community. Establish a goal and begin to work on strategies that will improve your social life.

6. Offer Compliments Generously

Compliments can be a great way to open the door to a conversation. Offer a co-worker a compliment on a presentation he gave at a meeting or compliment your neighbor on his new car. Compliments can show others that you are friendly.

7. Read Books About Social Skills

There are many books on the market that can help you learn specific social skills and ways to start conversations. However, keep in mind that reading about these skills won't make you an expert. You'll need to practice them over and over again.

8. Practice Good Manners

Good manners go a long way in improving social skills. Practice being polite, showing gratitude, and using good table manners.

9. Pay Attention to Your Body Language

Non-verbal communication is very important. Pay attention to the type of body language you use. Try to appear relaxed, make appropriate amounts of eye contact, and appear open to conversation.

10. Join a Social Skills Support Group

Many communities offer social skill support groups. Support groups help people who feel shy, awkward, or extremely anxious in social situations learn and practice new skills. You'll start improving social skills and may be able to make new friends who understand your difficulties.

11. Stay Up to Date on Current Events

Read up on current trends and news stories so you have something to talk about with people. Try to avoid anything that is too controversial, such as politics, but do talk about other news stories that may be of interest. It can be a great way to start a conversation and can help you stick to neutral subjects.

12. Identify and Replace Negative Thoughts

If you have a lot of negative thoughts about your social interactions, it could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, a person who thinks, "I'm really awkward and I will embarrass myself," may sit in the corner at a party. As a result, he may leave the party thinking that he must be really awkward because no one talked to him.

Identify negative thoughts that are likely dragging you down. Replace them with more realistic thoughts, such as, "I can make conversation and I can meet new people." Don't allow yourself to dwell on thoughts that aren't productive.

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12 Ways To Improve Social Skills And Make You Sociable Anytime | Amy Morin, LCSW

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If you feel like you're the awkward person at social events or you struggle to enter into conversations because you're shy, it can impact your social life a ...

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This year I tried red bull, which ive had a little bit of before, But ive come to learn Its one of my favourite drinks! but to stay healthy Im gonna continue to only drink when I need the energy

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I would like to atleast finish two or three books by the end of the school year, usually I start books but never finish them. Right now Im reading a book from the twilight series, it might not be the book I finish but it will be something.

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I would like to find more hobbies. Ive been busy because of school and work but Id like to find time to do something Id enjoy. I would draw and paint so thats something Id like to get back into again.

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This upcoming summer Im visiting my dads hometown again, Veracaruz mexico. Id like to do more like visit the city, go shopping, swimming, being around family and friends, ect. Ill be going with my parents and my two sisters. The enviroment is so vibrant and welcoming, The view is so special.

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Things to do in Veracruz | TRAVEL MEXICO 2021

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Cocteau twins are my top favourite artist! On my spotify wrapped They became my top artist. I hope to Have them as my top artist again next year and so on so forth.

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Cocteau Twins - Pearly Dewdrops' Drops (Official Video)

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I hope to walk my dog more often. Every now and then I would take my dog on walks but lately I havent because Ive been busy with school, then work, then coming home and sleeping. I want my dog to be more social because he is a puppy and I hope to make him more calm and normal around dogs and people because he still has trouble being around them. It also would be better for me As id feel more refreshed and feel more healthy if I do it more often. Atleast two times a week for 20-30 mins I hope to walk my dog.

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I Play a few games in my free time like overwatch, fortnite, splatoon, ect. But Id like to explore my horizon and play different games of all categories. If I get a playstation for christmas I hope to try new games.

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6 reasons why i want to be a physical therapist (article)

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6 reasons why i want to be a physical therapist (article)

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After taking a financial class in 8th grade, I saw many jobs that had good many but I noticed this job in particular. This job would be good for my because Id like to help and work with people, watch them develop and be able to one day feel better. Its also good that this job can build up my social skills. I know there are also a lot of elderly people who need physical therapy, considering my job I work around elderly people, I have an idea how to act and respond to them.

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6 Reasons Why I Want To Be A Physical Therapist

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Here's why fixing people's bodies is the right job for me.

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Childish Gambino Is another favourite artist of mine. He wasnt on my top in my spotify wrapped but I still feel like hes an important part of my music history. Donald glover, his real name, Is a rapper but also quit his music career at some point and became and actor which I think is pretty cool.

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Childish Gambino - Terrified (Official Audio)

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Ferrets are one of my favourite animals. Ever since I was young Ive come to like ferrets, their fun and playful energy, loyal and loving, are all personality traits that make me love ferrets. I think most people see them in a bad light but once you own one you start to see the hype. There are many silly videos of ferrets being playful with their owners. I do not own one currently as that would be a lot of work and I have much to do already. I plan on owning one sometime in the future.

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I used to paint more often last year. It was one of my hobbies I really enjoyed. I havent recently painted besides my painting class. Whenever I find the time I would like to paint whenever I can. The only con to painting I find is that I can be impatient and a painting will take me a few days

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Bob Ross - Island in the Wilderness (Season 29 Episode 1)

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Chili spaghetti is one of my favourite foods. Ive had it ever since I was little so its become a comfort food for me. I prefer gold star but any type of chili is good to me. I used to get chili fries but now I get a fiveway with the beans and onions.

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I hope to go back to the gym next year. I went sometime during the summer but eventually forgot about going.

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Cats are another one of my favourite animals. I own one named george. Hes really sweet but a little kept to himself.

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The sundays has become another favourite band of mine. Their music feels joyful and meaningful at the same time, the lyrics work so well with the rest of the song. This is one of my favourite songs from their reading, writing, arithmetic album which I hope to own in vinyl but currently its really expensive

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The Sundays - Here's Where The Story Ends (Official Music Video)

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this show has became a favourite of mine. I often watch it with my sisters,but even spend time by myself watching it

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Ive never really been a big fan of country music besides a few songs, country music often feels the same to me each time. I dont plan on listening to country again anytime soon.

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In january I can get my temps. I hope I can get my license by the time im 16 so I dont have to ask someone to drive me all the time. It would benefit me so i can make it to hangouts, go to the store when i need to, drive to and from work and school, ect.

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When you're behind the wheel of a car - whether alone or with passengers - driving safely should always be your top concern. We're more distracted than ever, so it's crucial to know the basics of safe driving and practice them every time you're on the road. Here are some safe driving tips:

Top 4 driving safety tips

Focus on driving

Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times - no multi-tasking.

Don't use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.

Slow down. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of an accident.

Drive "defensively"

Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing, and expect the unexpected.

Assume other motorists will do something crazy, and always be prepared to avoid it.

Keep a 2-second cushion between you and the car in front of you.

Make that 4 seconds if the weather is bad.

Make a safe driving plan

Build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks, phone calls or other business.

Adjust your seat, mirrors and climate controls before putting the car in gear.

Pull over to eat or drink. It takes only a few minutes.

Practice safety

Secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion.

Don't attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor.

Have items needed within easy reach - such as toll fees, toll cards and garage passes.

Always wear your seat belt and drive sober and drug-free.

More driving safety tips from Nationwide

Don't allow children to fight or climb around in your car - they should be buckled in their seats at all times. Too much noise can easily distract you from focus on the road.

Avoid driving when you're tired. Be aware that some medications cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous. Learn more about drowsy driving.

Always use caution when changing lanes. Cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers.

Be extra careful while driving during deer season.

Common sense about safe driving

What to do after an accident

If you're in an accident, first make sure no one in the car is injured. Next, check on the passengers in the other vehicle, pedestrians and anyone else nearby to make sure they're OK. Then do these five things:

Stay at the scene

Leaving can result in legal consequences, like fines or additional violations.

Call 911 or the local police immediately

They'll dispatch an officer and medical personnel to the scene of the accident. Once the cops arrive, wait for them to complete an accident report.

Stay in the car

If you're on a busy highway, stay inside the car and wait for the police or an ambulance. It's dangerous if passengers stand along a freeway or other road with lots of traffic.

Stay calm

Don't get into an argument or a fight with the other driver. Simply exchange contact and insurance information. If possible, also get the name and phone numbers of witnesses.

Contact your insurance provider

Call your insurance provider to report the claim. Your agent will ask you for any paperwork you receive about the accident, and will give you important information on getting your car fixed.

Find out more about what to do after an accident or a hit-and-run.

What to do when pulled over

If you notice that a police car is following you with the lights flashing, pull over to the side of the road safely and quickly. Wait inside your car for the officer to approach, and be prepared to:

Turn on the light

Turn on your interior light at night and keep your hands where the officer can see them, preferably on the steering wheel.

Keep your hands visible

Don't reach under your seat or into your glove box. This may cause the officer to think you're reaching for a weapon or hiding something.

Provide necessary documentation

Give your license and proof of insurance to the officer if asked. If the officer asks you to step out of your car, do so without sudden or threatening movements.

Be polite

Stay calm − don't become argumentative, disorderly or abusive − and never attempt to bribe the officer.

If a citation is issued, present your story in traffic court if you feel you've been unfairly treated. You may be represented by a lawyer and, if necessary, you'll be heard by a judge or magistrate.

Things to know about speeding & traffic laws

Some roadways are designated as low-speed zones. These include areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as school zones and streets lots of intersections close together. Driving over the speed limit can put you and others at risk of harm.

1. Never pass a stopped bus displaying a stop sign to its left. That means children are crossing the street.

2. If you hear a siren coming behind you, pull to the side if you can, stop and wait until the police car or fire truck goes by.

3. Completely stop at stop signs and look for other drivers and pedestrians before you proceed.

4. Obey the posted speed limit at all times. Speeding tickets are costly, and penalties for speeding can include fines, court appearances and loss or suspension of your driving privileges. Also, depending on your insurance policy, speeding tickets can raise your rates.

5. When parking your vehicle, always be mindful of handicapped signs, fire hydrants, bus stop zones, parking restrictions for certain times of day, and parking spots that require permits. Just remember to heed all of the signs. Even if you have to circle the block a couple times, it sure beats getting fined or having your car towed.

All about DUI & DWI

Driving after drinking too much alcohol is known as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Alcohol slows your reflexing, temporarily lowers your mental acuity and can thus compromise your ability to control a vehicle and drive it safely. And yes, even "buzzed driving" is still drunk driving and can be just as dangerous.

A DUI arrest can lead to expensive consequences, including spending time in jail, a suspended driver's license and fines. If you hit and/or kill someone while you are driving impaired, the consequences are even worse

It's also illegal to have an open container of alcohol in your car. If you're transporting alcoholic beverages, they should be sealed and in the trunk.

All 50 states have now set .08% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) as the legal limit for Driving Under the Influence, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For commercial drivers, it's .04%. And if you're under 21, it's zero tolerance - any amount of alcohol is grounds for a DUI arrest.

In some cities, law enforcement officials set up sobriety checkpoints along the road to identify and deter impaired drivers. These are typically set up during holiday weekends or on dates when there might be more drinking and driving.

If you're stopped at a checkpoint, you'll be asked several questions and might be asked to perform a sobriety test (like saying the ABC's backwards, performing some physical movements or breathing into an alcohol sensor). If these tests show that you have high alcohol levels, the police may arrest you.

Winter driving tips

Winter brings all sorts of driving headaches: snow, freezing rain and slush, which all make the roads more hazardous. To handle the hassle of winter driving:

1. First of all, buckle up. Basic car safety encourages the use of seat belts and car seats at all times. They're one of your best defenses in a crash. And it's the law.

2. Use extra caution in areas that ice up quickly, especially intersections, shaded areas, bridges and overpasses.

3. Get in the habit of regularly checking weather reports on TV or online so you can prepare for bad weather. On severe weather days, schools and workplaces might close or delay opening. Consider staying at home if you don't need to be on the road.

4. Keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car - including blankets, a first aid kit and jumper cables. Check out our full list of items for your emergency car kit.

5. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and that your car always has a full tank of gas.

To ensure you always have someone on your side when it comes to keeping you and your vehicle safe, learn more about auto insurance from Nationwide.

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When you're behind the wheel of a car - whether alone or with passengers - driving safely should always be your top concern. We're more distracted than ever, so it's crucial to know the basics of safe driving and practice them every time you're on the road.

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I have been interested in photography for sometime. I plan on joining a photography class next school year or whenever I can. Ive mostly been interested in nature esc photos.