The model answers below are taken from a members-only video lesson.
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Speaker: Finn
Why do people enjoy meeting new people?
I think it’s mainly because human beings are naturally social creatures, and most of us enjoy making connections with others. Meeting someone new gives us the opportunity to exchange ideas, hear different perspectives and perhaps even discover shared interests. Personally, I find it quite refreshing to talk to someone from a completely different background because they might introduce me to things I’ve never considered before. Also, you never know where a new connection might lead. It could develop into a close friendship, a professional relationship or simply a pleasant memory. So, I think meeting new people adds a bit of excitement and variety to our lives.
Do you think first impressions are important?
Absolutely. I think first impressions matter quite a lot because they can shape how we perceive someone, especially when we don’t know them very well. For example, if someone comes across as friendly, confident and approachable, we’re naturally more inclined to start a conversation with them. Having said that, I don’t think first impressions are always reliable. Some people might come across as shy or reserved initially, but once you get to know them, you realise they’re actually incredibly warm and interesting. So, while first impressions can open or close doors, I wouldn’t say they should determine how we judge someone in the long run.
Is it easy to make friends nowadays?
Well, I would say it’s easier to meet people but not necessarily easier to make genuine friends. Thanks to social media and various online communities, we can connect with people who share our interests, even if they live on the other side of the world. However, I feel that a lot of these connections tend to remain quite superficial. We might have hundreds of people on our social media accounts, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we have someone we can turn to when we’re going through a difficult time. I think building a meaningful friendship still requires time, effort and face-to-face interaction. So, in a way, technology has made connecting easier, but forming deep relationships is still just as challenging as ever.
Can people become close friends after one meeting?
I suppose it’s possible, although I think it’s quite rare. Sometimes you meet someone and just click with them straight away. You might have similar interests, a similar sense of humour or simply feel comfortable around each other. It’s almost as if you’ve known them for years, even though you’ve only just met. However, I think there’s a difference between having an instant connection and developing a genuinely close friendship. The latter takes time because you need to build trust, experience different situations together and learn whether you can rely on each other. So, one meeting might lay the foundation for a friendship, but maintaining it is a completely different story.
What makes someone interesting to talk to?
Personally, I think it’s a combination of curiosity, open-mindedness and a good sense of humour. I really enjoy talking to people who are genuinely interested in the world around them and aren’t afraid to express their opinions. They don’t necessarily have to be particularly knowledgeable or well-educated. Sometimes, someone who has had unusual life experiences or simply sees things from a different perspective can be incredibly interesting to talk to. I also think being a good listener is just as important as being a good speaker. Nobody enjoys having a conversation with someone who constantly talks about themselves without showing any interest in what others have to say.
Are online friendships as meaningful as face-to-face ones?
I think they can be, but it really depends on the individuals involved and how much effort they put into maintaining the relationship. One obvious advantage of online friendships is that they allow people to connect regardless of geographical distance. For instance, you could meet someone through an online gaming community or a shared hobby and gradually develop a really strong bond with them. However, I do think face-to-face interactions offer something that online communication can’t fully replicate, such as body language, eye contact and those spontaneous little moments that make a friendship feel more personal. So, I wouldn’t say one is necessarily better than the other, but ideally, I’d like to have a combination of both.
Why are some people better at socialising than others?
I think it comes down to a combination of personality, upbringing and life experiences. Some people are naturally outgoing and confident, so approaching strangers and striking up conversations comes quite naturally to them. Others might be more introverted or socially anxious, which can make social situations feel a little overwhelming. However, I don’t think being sociable is something you’re simply born with. It’s also a skill that can be developed over time. For example, someone who regularly puts themselves in unfamiliar social situations may gradually become more confident and comfortable interacting with others. I think the key is being genuinely interested in people rather than worrying too much about what they think of you.
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