Do you want more connection, but still overthink what to say when meeting someone new? You are not alone. Social anxiety can make starting conversations feel much bigger than it is.

In this episode I talk with Teun Melis about how to start conversations in a low-pressure way, how to keep socializing light and natural, and how real friendships usually grow. We explore why curiosity works better than trying to impress, why repeated shared activities make connection easier, and why a little awkwardness is not a problem if you keep showing up.

What you'll discover: 🔹 A simple low-pressure way to start conversations 🔹 Why curiosity works better than trying to be interesting 🔹 How timing can matter more than saying the perfect thing 🔹 How friendships grow naturally through shared interests and repeated contact 🔹 Why a little awkwardness is normal and worth pushing through

💡 Quote from Teun: "Just see it as a game, try out different things, and don't focus on the result."

Start here: Free 7 Secrets to Social Confidence https://bit.ly/socialconfidencepodcast This short mini-course explains: • why social anxiety happens • why forcing exposure often backfires • how the fight-flight-freeze response creates anxiety symptoms • how tapping can help release the emotions and beliefs that trigger anxiety It's designed to help you understand what's actually driving social anxiety and give you a first experience with the tapping approach.

How to Start Conversations and Make Friends Naturally