Making first contact is a skill that improves with practice. Every approach teaches you something, whether it leads to friendship or not.
Remember: - Most people are lonely and welcome friendly interaction - Rejection is about compatibility, not your worth - Skills improve through repetition, not perfection - One successful connection justifies many attempts - Today's stranger could be tomorrow's close friend
Common First Contact Personalities and Strategies:
The Analyzer: Overthinks approach. Strategy: Set a 5-second rule—approach within 5 seconds of noticing opportunity.
The Rusher: Overwhelms with intensity. Strategy: Focus on creating space for others to respond.
The Apologizer: Undermines with self-deprecation. Strategy: Practice confident, assumption-free openers.
The Interviewer: Interrogates rather than converses. Strategy: Share equally, don't just question.