If you are awkward and a introvert, like me, making friends can be extremely hard. Imagine that, plus being a hijabi Muslim and a convert to Islam. The odds for making friends are not in my favor. I would never survive the hunger games.
As an introvert, I find solace in just being alone but believe it or not, I still have found ways to make friends. I have made a list below on an easier way on how you can make friends while a Muslim or non-Muslim.
1. Do not change anything about yourself just to make friends.
Be yourself! I know it is hard to be yourself when you are in high school. Being proud of who you are will make people attracted to your confidence and they will want to be your friend. People like to be surrounded by confident people. Don't be too confident though because people don't like conceited people either.
It wasn't hard for me to make friends in high school but I grew up in a very small town. I was either related to the people in my class or grew up with them. I also didn't care what anyone thought about me.
One thing that I loved about college is that I could be whoever I wanted and no one would judge me. Even if they were, they were doing there own thing as well.
If you are proud of your religion, you don't have any reason to hide it or be ashamed. Embrace who you are. I people don't like that, then they are the problem. You are not the problem.
2. Find Like Minded People
When I was in college and started wearing hijab, I found it easier for me to make friends with non-Muslims. I could not explain why but it was like people were more interested in me and why I would wear hijab or chose the religion I did.
Who knew hijab could be such an icebreaker?
Their intrigue may have been that one of my majors in college was international studies, so that may be a reason as to my why constituencies chose to learn more about me. Since, like me, they were already fascinated by other religions and cultures.
In regards to meeting like minded people, post college, I have been able to join a writers critique group as well. I have met some very nice people who are similar to me because they like to write and are introverted in someway.
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