Making Friends / How to Meet New People / Lesson 16

LESSON 16 · HOW TO MEET NEW PEOPLE

Say Yes to Every Invitation for a Month

Twelve ways to say yes to every invitation for a month, and see what happens.

Opportunities appear when you say yes. A one-month experiment is a fair test.

32 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

32 tips that really help

These ideas come from Platonic (Marisa Franco), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why a yes month works

Saying yes increases your chances to meet people. Even small events can lead to friends.

TRY THIS
Decide to try a one-month yes experiment.

TIP 2

Set safe rules

Say yes to safe, reasonable invitations. Keep your health and safety first.

TRY THIS
Write your yes rules.

TIP 3

Tell your friends

Let people know you are open to invitations. They will think of you.

TRY THIS
Message three friends today.

TIP 4

Accept quickly

A fast yes feels warm and keeps plans from slipping.

TRY THIS
Reply within a day.

TIP 5

Agree a time limit

You can say I can stay for an hour. It makes yes easier.

TRY THIS
Plan your exit time beforehand.

TIP 6

Bring something small

Flowers, snacks or a game give you something to do and show care.

TRY THIS
Choose a small gift to bring.

TIP 7

Talk to one new person

At each event, aim for one new chat only.

TRY THIS
Set a goal of one new name.

TIP 8

Follow up

Message someone you met and suggest a plan.

TRY THIS
Send a message within two days.

TIP 9

Rest when needed

A yes month does not mean no breaks. Keep a quiet evening each week.

TRY THIS
Schedule one night in.

TIP 10

Review the month

See who you met and what you enjoyed. Keep the best habits.

TRY THIS
Write three insights at the end.

TIP 11

Put the rules in writing

Write your yes rules, such as I will say yes to safe, reasonable invitations for a month. Clear rules reduce second-guessing.

TRY THIS
Write your rules.

TIP 12

Tell your friends about the experiment

Friends will invite you more if they know you are saying yes. Explain it with a smile.

TRY THIS
Message three friends.

TIP 13

Use a yes diary

Keep a list of invitations and how each went. It shows the benefits.

TRY THIS
Start the diary.

TIP 14

Say yes to different kinds of events

Mix social, cultural and community events. Variety widens your circle.

TRY THIS
Accept one of each type.

TIP 15

Go with curiosity

Treat each event as a learning experience. Expect to learn something.

TRY THIS
Write one question to explore.

TIP 16

Choose a buddy

A friend can come along to unfamiliar events. Buddies make yes easier.

TRY THIS
Invite one.

TIP 17

Say yes to the stretch

Pick one invitation that makes you slightly nervous. Courage grows.

TRY THIS
Choose it.

TIP 18

Prepare for each event

Check the address and plan the journey. Preparation reduces stress.

TRY THIS
Plan the route.

TIP 19

Dress comfortably

Wear something that makes you feel good. Comfort helps confidence.

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Choose an outfit.

TIP 20

Aim to meet two people

A small goal keeps you focused. Two new names is enough.

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Set the goal.

TIP 21

Practise your openers

Have two ready openers and one exit line. They calm nerves.

TRY THIS
Rehearse.

TIP 22

Take breaks

Step outside for air if you need. Short breaks help.

TRY THIS
Plan one.

TIP 23

Leave on time

Know your exit time. Stick to it to avoid burnout.

TRY THIS
Set an alarm.

TIP 24

Thank the host

A quick message is a kindness. It strengthens ties.

TRY THIS
Send thanks.

TIP 25

Reflect after each

Write what went well. It reinforces the habit.

TRY THIS
Write two lines.

TIP 26

Notice patterns

Which events gave you energy? Do more of those.

TRY THIS
Mark the best ones.

TIP 27

Say no kindly when needed

If something is unsafe or too much, decline politely. Rules still apply.

TRY THIS
Prepare a polite no.

TIP 28

Track new contacts

Write names and where you met. It helps follow-up.

TRY THIS
Start a list.

TIP 29

Follow up with invitations of your own

Invite someone you met. Reciprocity grows friendships.

TRY THIS
Invite one.

TIP 30

Share the story

Tell friends about your yes month. It may inspire them.

TRY THIS
Share.

TIP 31

Celebrate the month

At the end, mark your courage with a treat. Enjoy it.

TRY THIS
Plan one.

TIP 32

Decide what to keep

After a month, keep the habits that worked. Build a lasting routine.

TRY THIS
Write three habits.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.

YES

“Yes, I would love to come.”

PLAN

“What time should I arrive?”

OFFER

“Can I bring something?”

EXIT

“I can only stay for an hour.”

THANKS

“Thank you for inviting me.”

FOLLOW

“I had a great time, shall we do it again?”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Decide on your yes month

DAY 2
Tell a friend about it

DAY 3
Say yes to the next invitation

DAY 4
Go and stay for one hour

DAY 5
Talk to one new person

DAY 6
Thank the host the next day

DAY 7
Review the week

Further reading

• Platonic (Marisa Franco)
• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.