Do you have good social skills?

[Febbie]

I'm starting to realise that as I get older the more importance I place on good social skills.

I feel my dysfunctional Somali upbringing has ill equipped me with poor social skills to the point where someone I know closely, assumed I was autistic WTF.

Am I that bad?!? Wow

If you think about it, throughout all your life you will be interacting with people - always. Literally. So having good interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence (as opposed to IQ) is extremely valuable.

Any suggestions on how to improve great social skills? Serious question.

All opinions welcome. Cheers!

 

[Idilinaa]

I feel my dysfunctional Somali upbringing has ill equipped me with poor social skills to the point where someone I know closely, assumed I was autistic WTF.

Most Somalis are known to be social butterflies, they love to talk and socializing with people, and can't stop talking to an almost point of annoyance. They always have large groups of friends, they need to walk in groups and have long list of phone contacts.

Seriously they can stop talking, can't stop cracking jokes and telling stories etc. flippin blabber mouths

Even when you don't want to socialize you are pretty much forced into it by family and those around you. In a Somali household you are lucky if people leave you with some alone time.

Any suggestions on how to improve great social skills? Serious question.

All opinions welcome. Cheers!

Put yourself out there and interact with others, pick up on social cues. Simple as that.

 

[Sol]

Read how to win friends by Dale Carnegie teaches how to talk and socialise in both formal and informal settings a good read honestly

 

[Angelina]

Somalis tend to be social butterflies that can’t help but befriend the whole world. The fobbier the more social although a lot of it is genetics since even kids born and raised in the West also have similar traits. When I was younger I was like that. Couldn’t help but talk to the whole world, in fact I was known as a chatter box. However, now I’m a lot quieter and prefer to observe rather than talking and entertaining all the time. I’ve also become rather shy and now large groups for long periods of time drain me.

I think moderation is key. Be social and bubbly when needed but learning to reining it in and observing and not excessively talk is important as well.

However in saying that, I’m noticing that GenZ and younger UK millennials have issues with opening up and socializing and I think it’s mainly due to growing up in the West and at a time in which kids are mostly online and parents aren’t as social as they used to due now having to work so people aren’t as community oriented.

I think the poster above reccommed a book and I think people should read it. For the under 25s the biggest investment is working on your social skills, you’ll get far if you’re able to be bubbly and likeable in the right setting. Put yourself out there and be fearless and charming like Somalis are naturally known to be!