When you see people you do not know You are walking on the street or standing in a line. A person you do not know is near you. Usually, you do not need to talk. You can look busy and keep walking. You can also look at your phone. This is normal. Sometimes you look up and your eyes meet. In this moment, a small smile is enough. It shows you are friendly. Then you can continue walking. Do not make a very big smile, it can feel strange. A quick, small smile is best. If the person says “Hi,” you can say “Hi” too. Then keep moving. You do not need to ask questions. Do not ask “How are you?” to a stranger. This question can start a longer talk, and you may not want that. When you meet people you know a little This can be a person from school, work, or your neighborhood. You know their face, but you are not close. You may not remember their name. This can feel awkward. If the person did not see you, you can walk away. Keep your head down and look busy. If you cannot leave, a smile from far away can work. A small wave can also help. A wave is good because it says hello from a distance. Sometimes the person comes closer and starts talking. If this happens, keep it short. Say “Hi” and maybe one simple sentence. If you want to be polite, you can say “How are you?” Most people answer quickly, and the talk ends soon. When you meet friends A friend is someone you like and want to keep in your life. Because of this, you should not ignore them. If you walk away, your friend may feel bad. If you are busy, say hello and say one short reason. For example, you can say, “Sorry, I am in a hurry.” You can also say, “I will text you later.” This is kind and clear. If you have time, talk for a little longer. Many introverts enjoy one-to-one talk with friends. You do not need to act like someone else. Just be calm and natural. Simple greetings can be easy when you keep them short and clear. A small smile, a short “Hi,” and a quick reason can help you feel comfortable.