If you don't feel ready to jump into a conversation with a witty anecdote, there are still other ways to connect with others: become an active listener. This relieves some of the pressure of social interactions, because you don't have to worry about sounding smart or interesting; you just need to listen carefully and ask questions. Remember, people love talking about themselves, especially if the other person appears to be really taking an interest. When actively listening, show the other person that you are engaged by paraphrasing their message and repeating it back. You can say something like: "So, it sounds like what you're saying is..." Ask follow-up questions. You don't want to get inappropriate or too personal, but continue asking the person questions or their opinions. Show the person you are listening by nodding, making good eye contact, an making sounds or saying words that affirm you are listening (like "Uh-huh" or "Sure"). Don't look closed off, but instead, invite people in by showing that you are open and welcoming. The body communicates this easily. By crossing your arms or legs, it appears as if you are disinterested in social interactions. If you avoid eye contact, this also makes you appear disinterested. Be careful not to cross your body, slouch, or keep your head down, and instead engage in eye contact and maintain an open body posture. . Making small talk is what can help you get people to open up, and to have short conversations with people you have just met. Ask people how they are or how their day is going. Search for common ground. Find casual ways to find out if you and the person root for the same sports teams, watch the same shows, or have the same pets. Use your environment to help you. If you run into the person in a coffee shop, ask if she's tried the amazing baked goods. If you're outside and it's a gorgeous day, ask the person if he's going to take advantage of the beautiful weather to do something fun outdoors. e friendly. Assuming that someone wants to connect with you allows you to be more open and friendly toward other people. While it's true that no matter how friendly you are, some people will respond as if their mouth and mind are perpetually soured, this isn't a reason to scuttle off or blame yourself. After all, you are not responsible for the behavior of other people. They could have a difficult background or they might be having a bad day. Either way, it's not a reflection of how you are as a person. By being friendly you will put others at ease, find ways to break the ice, and give others the freedom to be more open and vulnerable around you. . Telling a joke at the wrong time can blow your "social cred" right out of the water and leave you looking awkward. Yet, telling one at just the right time, with just the right tone can smooth over even the most tense moment. Get a feel for the situation. If things are a little heavy, the perfect joke can lighten the mood. But if people are having a really serious discussion like discussing the deaths of their grandparents, then you should back off with the humor until the tone of the conversation changes a bit. When it comes to giving compliments, the most important thing is to keep them sincere and drop them at the right moments. If you're not genuine, don't compliment. If you're a beginner in complimenting, watch others for timing of compliments and follow suit. You can compliment a person's jewellery, sweater, or new haircut, and move on to give deeper compliments as you get to know the person better. Complimenting an aspect of a person's personality, such as telling your friend that he has a great sense of humor or that he's good at talking to new people, can make a person feel more special than a compliment about physical appearance. If you're complimenting something physical, make sure it doesn't come off the wrong way. If you're complimenting somebody's appearance, stick to their face or hair and avoid complimenting their body or your comment may come off sounding more forward than you intended. Though every social situation is different, there are a few key things that you may want to avoid when it comes to being socially savvy. There are certain comments or actions that tend to come off as socially awkward and are worth avoiding if you want to feel comfortable around other people. Here are some things to watch out for: Avoid saying that you're so awkward. You can guess the outcome. Avoid asking people overly personal questions if you don't know them very well, like why they're not dating anyone or if they've gained weight. While you don't have to stand miles apart from other people, give people space. If you don't know the social norms for the group you're spending time with, make the effort to learn them. Not knowing social norms can leave you feeling socially awkward. This is especially relevant when visiting a different part of your country or going to a different country. Use good manners and don't forget to say "please" and "thank you." Staying at home, behind your computer screen, hidden behind your cubicle barrier, or dodging lunch dates won't help you to avoid socially awkward moments.If you spend most of your time at home or in front of the computer for fear of interacting with people, then you'll never be able to work on your social skills. Realize that some people are snobby or standoffish. They are not the norm, nor do they represent a reason for hiding away. For such people, learn a simple way of detaching yourself with dignity, such as a quick nod and an "It was nice to meet you" before swiftly turning your back on them. Learn How to End a Conversation as well as how to have one. For many people, it is ending a conversation that is going nowhere or that is excruciatingly boring that leaves a sense of awkwardness, out of fear of appearing rude or uncaring.

Summary: Learn to be a good listener. Use prosocial body language. Make small talk . Tell a joke Give meaningful compliments. Know what to avoid. Improve your etiquette. Get out there.

Place the mustard seeds, bay leaves, and Allspice berries in a mortar and grind them together using a pestle. If you do not have a mortar and pestle, you could use the handle of a meat tenderizer or other utensil and a small dish, like a custard dish or ramekin. Similarly, you could place the spices in a resealable plastic bag, seal it, and crush them with a rolling pin. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the ground spices with the salt and pepper until each spice is evenly distributed. The spices can be mixed together with a spoon or fork. Set aside once combined.
Summary: Crush the mustard, bay leaves, and Allspice. Combine all the spices together.