Effective interpersonal skills require a balance of emotional intelligence, active listening, and curiosity. Start by making an effort to genuinely ask open-ended questions, which can help guide conversations away from small talk and foster deeper connections.
Try practicing mindfulness and self-reflection to better understand your own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. This will enable you to engage with others on a more authentic level, as you'll be able to recognize and build upon shared interests and passions. Additionally, focus on cultivating empathy and understanding, which can help create a sense of mutual respect and trust.
One valuable approach is to focus on 'being' rather than simply trying to make conversation or perform certain social expectations. By tuning in to your own energy and presence, you may find yourself naturally drawn into meaningful interactions with others.