I experimented to make friends by being genuinely interested in people for one day
Making your acquaintance into your friends has never been easy, at least not for me. So I went on to apply for a whole day the first principle of getting yourself welcomed anywhere from the book How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie, which states:
Become genuinely interested in other people

I applied this principle for one day and showed genuine interest in people around me, family, friend, acquaintance, and, in somebody I did not know. Here is my eventful journey of the day. And Let me tell you, it was easy said than done.
So I started my day with being mindful of showing genuine interest in people around me. I thought to myself if Howard Thurston, the great magician, can mesmerize people by just being grateful to them to be there to watch his show, as mentioned by Carnegie, well, then I will try it. Which meant I had to greet my parents and siblings with enthusiasm and show gratefulness to them. On the breakfast, I greeted my family with great enthusiasm. Everyone looked twice at me with concern as if something has happened to me Then I thanked my mom for making such delicious omelet. She smiled and told me how she made it. She seemed pleased. That has never happened as we all remain silent on breakfast. Being grateful, made me connect with her more.
“We are interested in others when they are interested in us” — Publilius Syrus
For the sake of applying it, I contacted my friend in the afternoon, whom I have not talked to in a while. I asked her how she was. How her internship is going? How is her boss like? How she get to her workplace? Is she enjoying her work? Is she liking her colleagues? How is her mother? Has her pictures from her uncle’s wedding arrive? What kind of job is she planning to do after the internship? I realized that we talked more than usual and she told me about her concerns and worries that she has never told me before. She then went on advising me to apply for a fully-funded scholarship, which, of course, surprised me. I did get what Carnegie already foretold in his book:
Another interesting point that he made in his book was:
“If we want to make friends, let’s put ourselves out to do things for other people — things that require time, energy, unselfishness, and thoughtfulness.”
I experienced what he said when I messaged one of my acquaintances from another department, whom I barely know. For assuring thoughtfulness, I checked her facebook and linkedIn, and found out that she has not gotten any job and she is looking for it. I asked her how she was and what kind of job is she trying to get? She told me all about her desired job role and goals. Of course, I had to be sincere with her. I searched for the job vacancies for her. It did take my time and energy but I finally found that one of my colleagues has posted a similar job vacancy in the facebook group. I shared that with her. She was extremely happy and grateful. She asked me what kind of job I am looking for. She told me that whenever she will know about my desired job vacancy, she will inform me. Carnegie was so on point in his book when he wrote:
“It [showing interest with sincerity] must pay off not only for the person showing the interest, but for the person receiving the attention. It is a two-way street-both parties benefit.”
Well, I am sure that I just made a friend. How amazing does that sound! J
Later in the day, on facebook, I saw a graphic designer, who was struggling to make his portfolio better. I asked him where is he approaching the design. What is his client’s requirements? He told me, then I helped him by suggesting to him some changes and the group, that he should join to get advice from professionals. He was grateful. Through him, I got to know more about freelancing.
All in all, I can say that the practical application of being genuinely interested in other people went well. I learned that for showing interest, you have to be sincere and compassionate, and willing to give your time and energy with selfishness and thoughtfulness. It will be then, you will resonate with others. People will get interested in you as you are interested in them, which will eventually be fruitful to both parties.
