Universal Fact: Everyone in the world, no matter who they are, has insecurities.
That’s a given. But what I’ve noticed lately is not so much an epidemic of insecurities that’s holding us back from blossoming into confident individuals. It’s more so an epidemic of deteriorating amounts of face-to-face contact that’s the root of most our confidence issues.
Here’s why I think that is, and, of course, some tips to help us all become more confident about ourselves!
We all depend on technology so much that all in all, we let it hinder our social competence; especially by texting or using social media. It inhibits our ability to emphasize with one another; because you don’t see that person’s facial expressions, their body language, or any overall social cues. We are so used to communicating from a distance we’re not developing those fundamental skills that could make our social lives thrive.
Here’s a strong example, I’m sure I’m not the only one who has experienced this:
I believe I was out shopping at the mall by myself, you know doing my thing, and when I get home I log on to my Facebook. I see a message from an old high school friend/acquaintance. They say “Hey! How are you? I seen you today at the mall.” And I’m laughing to myself like, why didn’t they just come up to me and say hi?
This is a common example of how people revert to social media to communicate rather than face to face. I genuinely hate it because we could’ve ate lunch together, caught up on life, maybe exchanged numbers, something. Social media, to me, makes everything feel so much less personal despite it being a private message. It’s not the same.
(Side Note: If you have done this, DO NOT FEEL BAD! It can honestly happen to the best of us, because sometimes it can be more than a bit awkward going up to people. But that’s the purpose of this blog! I want to help stop people from feeling anxious or nervous about approaching others in public. Also, I want to help stop people from feeling awkward or uncomfortable when others finally approach you, too.)
Tip #1:
Put down your phone!
When I lived at home with my mom, my room used to be located in the attic; and despite my mom being in the same house, whenever I needed to tell her something I would just text her. Some of you are probably thinking…”okay?….and the problem is?”.
That is the problem! My mom is walking distance, so why not just put down the phone and go talk to her like a normal human being! Maybe even throw in a sweet gesture for her like asking her how her day’s going and/or asking her if she needs help with anything. Not only does it make her feel good, it’ll make you feel good too. ☺
Tip #2:
Start acknowledging and greeting the random people that walk past you.
(Noooo, Kat, why!? People these days are cray, I might mess around and get kidnapped
