What advice would you give to a socially inept person?

I have a friend who never really learned how to socialize. I'm not saying that in a bad way, but it's just the truth. He's asked for advice on how to make friends, keep friends, interact, and all that.





My question is, what advice would you give to such a person? I'm writing out a paper for this.





Please don't critisize me for doing this; He specifically asked for help with this and I'm doing the best I can to help. Thanks in advance!What advice would you give to a socially inept person?
Loosen up, and meet as many different people as possible. That's how everybody who ever lived learned any social graces. And remember that most of us are too worried about our own hangups and awkwardness to notice yours.What advice would you give to a socially inept person?
I'd suggest knowing the rules, program of the event he wants to attend. Homework, and practice.


Learn to dance. Learn to dress and eat - and practice before going out with people that know him.


Learn about the story in English before attending opera for the first time. Learn what to expect before going to big events like that too.


Read the newspaper front to back. Sports, local news - and read current and classic books.


Understand double entendres and puns, and why Simpson's and South Park are funny verbally like understanding Popeye verbally - not just visual jokes. Words are important. Don't open your mouth unless you can contribute to the subject being talked about. As guys never talk about shades of nail polish or who designed what gown - usually because guys never practice this knowledge. Stereotypes are also to be avoided - as women can weld and many are mechanically minded as any man. And visa versa - some men do know fashion, make up.


Oh, my is it too late to have his Dad and Mom talk to him about all this stuff? From a family moral point of view, traditions, etc.


He should have been paying attention when he was 4,5, 6,7,8, as each year brings more to practice. By 12 there are dances. By middle school there is cliches and groups form.


Also there is rural, subburbian, city type stuff I do not know about. Can he tip a cow? Does he know what chip throwing is? Does he know train/bus schedules and can move around town?








I hope this is of some help.
he needs to talk to a psychiatrist who can give him medication and help for his mental condition.
Maybe this person is just shy. It is hard to say because what works for one doesn't work for everyone, but they could start by opening up in social situations. They can start out small by just choosing one person to interact with. Make sure they are up on their current events so when things come up they can give their opinion and join into the conversation. Most of all they can be the one to invite someone out or over to their house rather than waiting for an invitation.
I think casual, encouraging pointers along the way would help him.


like for example, if you are in the mall with him and you witness some person making a gesture that is more ';advanced'; in terms of social etiquette and bring his attention to it and tell him to notice what the person did. be friendly and nice about it.
Every day, do something kind for someone.
maybe some sociology books may be a good place for him to start. Is it possible that he is just shy? Whay has he not learned how to interact? If he grew up/lived in a society he must have. Maybe he just THINKS he does not know how but really just has a different way about it.
I say, as a friend of his, to be a parent for him in some regards. People who are socially inept just didn't socialize as much growing up, by choice or not. They're just behind everyone else, and need to learn how to get by. I know plenty of shy people who are perfectly sociable. Don't be afraid to tell him how things work. Give reinforcement and if it seem slike he needs guidance, give it to him. He's just gotta learn. And his ineptitude has probably caused some anxiety when it comes to his self confidence and social situations. Make sure he knows that we're all individuals, and people are allowed to act how they want, but there are some basic rules we all need to follow to function in society, retain friendships and gain respect from others.