Why does meeting new people feel so exhausting? Even when we genuinely want connection? Why do we replay conversations in our heads, hesitate before speaking, or feel strangely nervous before a simple introduction? In a city as social and fast-moving as Shanghai, many of us are surrounded by people yet still feel unsure about how to truly connect. Research shows that social anxiety affects around 1 in 5 adults globally, and surveys among young professionals in big cities suggest that more than 60% feel nervous when meeting strangers, even in casual settings. So if you’ve ever felt awkward, quiet, or overthinking in social situations, you’re not broken, you’re human.

 

In this guided discussion hosted by Mai, an emotions coach known for creating safe and thoughtful spaces, we’ll gently unpack why meeting new people feels so hard: the psychology of first impressions, fear of judgment, cultural habits around “saving face,” and the quiet pressure to sound smart or interesting in English. Through simple examples, shared experiences, and light exercises, you’ll explore what’s really happening in your mind, and why connection doesn’t have to feel like performance. No forcing, no therapy talk, no pressure to be outgoing. Just a smart, warm conversation about something almost everyone struggles with, but rarely talks about openly. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to meet people, but I don’t know how to start,” this one's for you.

 

为什么认识新朋友感觉这么累人？哪怕我们其实真心想和人产生连接？为什么我们会在脑子里反复回放对话，开口前犹豫半天，或者明明只是简单的自我介绍却莫名紧张？在上海这样社交繁忙、节奏飞快的城市，我们很多人身边虽然围满了人，却依然不知道该怎么建立真正的连接。研究显示，全球大约每 5 个成年人里就有 1 个有社交焦虑；针对大城市年轻职场人的调查也发现，超过 60% 的人在见陌生人时会感到紧张，哪怕是在非正式场合。所以，如果你在社交场合觉得尴尬、话少或者想太多，别觉得自己有问题，你只是个普通人类。

 

这场引导式讨论由 Mai 主持，她是一位擅长创造安全、走心氛围的情绪教练。我们会温柔地拆解为什么认识新人感觉这么难：关于第一印象的心理学、对被评判的恐惧、关于“面子”的文化习惯，以及那种在用英语时非要显得聪明或有趣的无形压力。通过简单的例子、分享经历和轻松的小练习，你会探索自己脑子里到底发生了什么，以及为什么“产生连接”并不一定非得像是在“表演”。

 

不需要强迫自己，没有那种心理治疗式的沉重对话，也没有压力非要变得外向。仅仅是一场关于那个大家都在挣扎、却很少公开谈论的话题的聪明又温暖的对话。如果你也曾想过“我想认识人，但不知道从哪开始”，那这场活动就是为你准备的。