From Strangers to Friends: 10 Tips for Getting Along with Everyone

We meet people from every walk of life and with blended interactions with different personalities. It can be hard to keep track of your behaviour towards them. I’ve been in situations where I just couldn’t make it through a conversation without feeling a sense of animosity towards my conversation partner. It’s not that I don’t get along with everyone; it’s just that there are times when I don’t know how to carry on a conversation without hurting others (or myself, for that matter). 

I get the importance of building positive relationships with others, and I understand that these genuine connections are the key ingredients for any happy relationship. Whether it’s with your friends, family, co-workers, or even strangers, getting along with others is a skill that matters. 

So, if you (like me) struggle with getting along with everyone — no matter friend or stranger — then I have some tips for you that can help you not only create genuine relationships but also help you work on your interpersonal skills. 

Let’s get the ball rolling! 

The Importance of Getting Along With Others

We are social creatures and thus wired to connect with each other. Psychologically speaking, positive interactions with others bring us a sense of belonging, reduce our stress, and boost our overall well-being. Healthy relationships can improve our self-esteem, create a support system, and even contribute to a happier and longer lifespan. 

Of course, the kind of interactions you have with others can also depend on your history with them and the type of relationship you have with others in your life. I choose to surround myself with my closest friends and family members, making my interactions few and far, but deeper nonetheless. On the other hand, my friend seeks to build a huge social network, with whom he gets along pretty well. 

Either way, these connections can contribute to our well-being when we know how to get along with others without losing ourselves along the way. 

There could be times when you have a hard time getting along with others. Various reasons could be behind this as well. For one, you may not like your friends’ sense of humor so you don’t like interacting with them, or there could be a co-worker who always “borrows” your things and fails to return them on time. 

To get along with others in such cases could feel like you’re losing a part of yourself with each interaction. All relationships don’t have to be lovey-dovey or overly affectionate, but sometimes we might lose sight of the common ground and overlook the benefits of getting along. 

Here are some practical tips on how you can get along with everyone. Try these tips and let me know in the comments at the end of this article what you think about them. 

How to Get Along With Everyone?

1. Listen to Others’ Intent 

Engage fully in conversations by listening actively, asking questions, and showing genuine interest in the conversations. Your loved ones may appreciate you when they feel heard and understood.

2. Be Empathetic 

Try to put yourself in others’ shoes to understand their perspectives and feelings. Empathy can help you understand what others are going through and help you strengthen emotional bonds.

3. Keep an Open Mind 

You can also try to approach conversations with an open heart and mind. Understand that each person has a diversity of thought, so be ready to consider different viewpoints and beliefs. 

4. Use Positive Body Language 

It’s not always what you say that makes a difference, your body cues also matter when it comes to getting along with others. Non-verbal cues can speak louder than words, so maintain eye contact, smile, and use open body language to convey warmth and friendliness.

5. Find Common Ground 

Even if you don’t get along with others at first, don’t forget that you can still find some common ground. Take time to discover shared interests, beliefs, and values. Having a common ground can give a solid foundation for building connections. 

6. You Be Genuine 

To get along with everyone, you need to show that you’re genuinely interested in doing so. People appreciate authenticity, so be yourself and let others see the real you. Being true to yourself can build trust and create deeper connections. 

7. Be Patient 

Patience truly is a virtue, so when trying to get along with difficult people, allow them the time they need or might take to express themselves. Don’t rush the conversation. If you can’t, then let others set the pace. It’ll do your relationships some good. 

8. Be Supportive 

Offering a helping hand or a supportive word can go a long way in helping you get along with everyone — even a stranger. Be there for your loved ones when they are going through good times as well as challenging times. If you see a stranger, then ask them if they need help. It’ll help you learn how to be supportive and get along with others well. 

9. Humor Can Be a Good Choice (Sometimes)

Laughter is not just a medicine but a universal language too. A well-timed joke in an appropriate setting or a light-hearted comment when the occasion calls for it can break the ice and create a positive and light atmosphere. So use humor to get along with others. Also, note that humor might not suit every situation! 

10. Don’t Let Disagreements Stop You 

Disagreements are inevitable in every relationship, but you can use these disagreements as opportunities to learn how to deal with conflicts. If there is a conflict, or you’re facing difficult people, then don’t let them stop you from seeking a resolution and keeping the conversation going. Learn from the experience and keep going. 

Wrapping Up… 

Connections matter and the ability to get along with others is a skill not only important to build connections but to improve your interpersonal skills too. You can incorporate these tips into your interactions and see how you create stronger and more meaningful relationships day by day. 

Getting along with everyone — friends or strangers — takes only a genuine smile, an open heart, and a wish to connect with purpose. 

Did you like these tips to get along with everyone? Let me know your thoughts and tips in the comments below. 

Take Care!