Striking up conversation at a party

[WannabeNewton]

Lies. I don't like blond girls.

 

[HayleySarg]

It's okay. I understand. You wanted to roll in my deep. </3

Now I must scurry away. Out of respect for this thread. I don't want to derail it too wildly.

 

[krash661]

I don't like blond girls.

neither do i.

 

[OmCheeto]

...

Do other people break into one-on-one conversations of strangers at parties (and how?) or is that better not done?

I very seldom interrupt a one-on-one conversation.

Though yesterday, I did. I told a gentleman sitting on a bench, not too look, but the lady sitting next to him had just laid an egg.

He, and the two ladies sitting to his left and right, looked at me as if I were insane.

They all looked older than I, so rather than telling them to get up and see for themselves, I bent down, picked up the egg, and showed it to them. The conversation didn't go much further, but at least they didn't think I was insane anymore.

But putting eggs underneath people* would probably be a very strange thing to do to break into conversations, so you might try buying a t-shirt. Nothing too bright. In a social setting like a party, I would recommend the lowest contrasting, most Earth toned of colors.

Think subliminal.

PHYSICS FORUMS

--------------------------
* No, I did not put the egg there. I just thought it was very strange to see an egg in that spot underneath that lady. In 23 years, I'd never seen an egg on the ground like that. (They don't allow chickens into the fair, so my first illogical thought was; "That lady just laid an egg. How strange. I must share this with someone.)

 

[dirk_mec1]

I live in the Netherlands and striking up a conversation at a birthday party does not need to be difficult usually the people know each other very well or they don't. When they do not know each other the conversations are usually shallow i.e. a nice way to barge into the conversation and change the subject.

Also, Monique, this kind of talking your way into conversations is exactly one of the problems dutch males have when trying to flirt with girls in groups it is hard!

I just ask some silly shallow questions usually that gets the conversation started up pretty fast at a birthday. Also, being a women should be advantageous when joining social interactions. Walking away is the wrong thing to do the Dutch people will think that your not interested in them!

 

[Borg]

When I find myself with nobody to talk to, I just wander around a bit. Sometimes I'll end up out on the patio by myself and just enjoy the view. If it's in view of the main party, there's usually one or two who will do the same.

 

[BreathingGloom]

I disagree with a lot of the advice given here. Unless you're at some victorian party, or some upper echelon get together where you need to be "in the know" to be accepted, then just go join in on conversations.

It's only awkward if you think it's awkward.

People at these parties want to get to know you. They're just there to have a good time. Just bring positive energy, make jokes, laugh a lot, and make new friends.

If you're getting negative vibes from a group, and you're trying to be super positive, go talk to some other people.

But honestly, as long as you're being positive and having fun, then everyone will want to talk to you.

This socializing with strangers thing is a lot easier than it looks. Everyone is super nervous, and super gracious for you to break the ice. :-)