How to travel and socialize again after Corona using these 5 simple but powerful tools that you probably know but may have forgotten about:
By: Apo Thesus
Tags: Travel, Tips, Corona, Social Skills, Connection

So let us get on with a few simple tools that you might know but may have forgotten about!

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Smile

Yes Smile, smiling is so simple but effective but let us not forget that this ability was taken away from us for such a long time by wearing a mask. You can connect to others even from a social distance by smiling at them without having to know any foreign vocabulary, memorized sentences talking about the weather, or being awkward with using a pandemic pick-up line.

Just be yourself and show your teeth, communicating that you are healthy and happy, it is even more truly infectious than any virus that we know of. Humans are hardwired to mirror each other, so be that mirror of positivity and show the world how great a smile can make you and others feel.

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2. Say Hello or wave your hand (with a Smile!)

I know it seems simple, and it is. oftentimes in life, it is the simple things that we seem to forget but also the simple things that make life meaningful and joyful. It doesn’t have to be a conversation starter but merely a statement of acknowledging another person’s presence and journey that crossed your path coincidently. It can seem weird to signal a hello to strangers, especially if you are in a hustling and bustling city where covid was more prominent and people tend to have tighter agendas and see spontaneous encounters as a nuisance because advertisements and salespeople are more common. And surprise, surprise. In areas like this, people will appreciate that kind gesture even more.

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3. Compliment (again with a Smile!)

Giving out a compliment to a stranger can brighten their day, boost their mood, and elevate their confidence, but be aware to only give honest compliments. because as simple as it is to make someone smile by giving them a compliment it’s also easy for people to pick up on your false compliments. Try to be as spontaneous as possible, try to compliment on the first positive thing you notice about them. The easiest way is to compliment their choice of clothing, for example:” Nice hat!”, “That's a really cool top you are wearing” or “I really like your style”. Make sure to be genuine with your comment and don’t forget to say it with a smile!

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4. Introduce yourself and hand out your personal/business card (also with a Smile!)

This is maybe the most valuable tip of them all, networking can happen anywhere, and sometimes its the most random people you meet that can change your life forever, so whenever you like the energy of a person you meet don’t hesitate to introduce yourself, it doesn’t have to be very formal, simply say your name and what your passion is or what you do for a living (If these are the same things, congratulations!), ask them about theirs and intently listen to what they are passionate about.

For the final “touch” make sure to hand them your business or personal card so they can get in touch with you in the future.

This is not just a great way to connect with someone but also a great opportunity to expand your network.

Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash

5. Wish them a beautiful/successful/happy day! (you guessed it, with a Smile!)

Now here is the last tip: When having an interaction with someone, sometimes it can be short when we are passing by or standing in a cue, sometimes also after a small chat. Whatever the duration of your conversation or interaction, don’t depart without wishing them a beautiful, successful, or happy day. Whatever positive adjective you want to insert here, don’t hesitate to not just start an interaction with a smile but also to leave with one!