How we Meeting people

There is a whole range of places that people meet. Many young people know each other from school or their local community while others meet at work or through friends and family. Common interests often bring people together as people join clubs and meet that way. These days, people are also meeting each other on the Internet. When you meet people it's OK (in fact wise) to be cautious about giving them your personal details (eg where you live) until you really know them well.

Starting a Conversation ….. some pointers
Sometimes people feel shy or just a bit stuck for words after the first g'day. Here are a few tips for going on with a conversation.

• Be yourself.
• Be respectful.
• Try to remember a good joke or two (nothing distasteful or offensive to others).
• Keep up with current affairs so you have topics to discuss.
• A favourite movie, book, recent magazine article or a television program can all be topics of conversation.
• Remember the person's name and use it.
• Try and find out the other person's interests and discuss what you have in common.
• Make eye contact, don't wander mentally.
• Avoid talking about past relationships.
• Avoid telling intimate details about yourself.
• Find out if the other person is available.
• Don't have preconceived expectations - having expectations of a person can mean you're setting yourself up for disappointment.
• Look for positive traits in the other person.
• If you like the traits in the other person, you could arrange to meet again.
• It's OK to excuse yourself if you don't feel you're getting along well.

Meeting a person again
So you've made it past that first conversation and have agreed to meet again. It can be a good idea to get involved in group activities together or double date until you know each other well.

If you've met somewhere like a club or on the Internet and don't know the person well, it's a good idea to meet in a public place and to arrange your own transport. Think about your own safety as well as respecting the other person's right to privacy.