Because it's all about 'Breaking the Ice'

The excitement to meet someone whom you haven’t seen in years or someone you haven’t met before and the anxiety before joining a new work place (and/or school or college) amongst new faces is relatively a similar feeling. Definitely those little butterflies begin to flutter in the stomach. You cannot anticipate what’s in store. It’s just the sheer curiosity that plays a smart game in your mind. And begins the array of questions - what will happen, what kind of people will I be around, who will make the first move and break the ice, will anyone be interested in talking to me, will I be happy, and so on.

More often than not, no matter how hard we try, we end up being a little hesitant. The anxiety and newness begins to take a toll and we start showing the signs of initial nervousness. And it is in this feeling of nervousness and being stuck between walls of inhibitions, we try ‘breaking the ice’. This can be because of two reasons – one that we don’t intend to look stupid in front of new people or two we start feeling that lack of communication is giving out wrong signals about us. So to overcome such feelings, small talk turns into the much needed weapon.

Many a times we may come across as someone who’s high on attitude or may be an introvert (which definitely may not be the case). It’s just the fear and hesitation certain people have in their mind that refrain them from making a start. While some of us may not be good with conversation or words, there may be some who begin to think that the other is superior and is disinterested in talking (which also may not be true).

So while playing the game of “pehle aap pehle aap”, it’s always important to break free. Even if the other one is quiet, you take it forward. Will it make much of a difference? Absolutely! It’s good to showcase who you are than showing them who and what you are not. Initiating wouldn’t make you small and the best solution to becoming a great conversationalist is to lessen your dependence on your ego. Talk free, without the fear of rejection.

Building on relationships is like getting into the commitment of marriage. It’s where you have to tell them who and what you are in the very beginning. Being positive about yourself and keeping a constant smile on your face will not only help you with self-assurance but also let other people embrace you with open arms.

So reprogram your mind, get it in the right place and throw away the fears and anxiety. The world is out there, waiting for you. Go on and smile your best, because you never know who’s falling in love with your smile.