プロトコールマナー/How to make a friend

Hello. I'm Takae Sugama, the representative of Manners Salon Cinderella Inc.

Spring is a season full of encounters—starting school, moving up a grade, joining a company, changing jobs, or moving to a new place.
Even if you're not personally experiencing such changes, you may still find yourself welcoming new people into your environment.

Are you able to actively initiate conversation with people you don’t know?

Most people would probably say they’re not good at it.

It’s natural to feel nervous or out of place in a setting full of strangers.
In fact, most people are feeling the same way.

That’s why it helps to take the first step and simply say, "Hello. Would you mind if I sit next to you?"

Even just saying that one sentence can help ease your nerves—even if the conversation doesn’t go any further.

If you truly feel unable to initiate conversation, then aim to be someone others want to approach.

It’s not as difficult as it might seem.
Just slightly lifting the corners of your mouth can soften a tense expression and give off a gentle, welcoming atmosphere.

After all, people are more inclined to speak to someone who looks kind and approachable rather than someone with downturned lips and a furrowed brow.

Simply pressing your lips together gently with a little tension will naturally raise the corners of your mouth.

If you're not comfortable starting a conversation yourself, try focusing on lifting the corners of your mouth.