Time: 1 Hour

STEP 1: Agree to meet up with that person your friend/co-worker/parent keeps trying to set you up with or invite that person you’ve been crushing on for coffee. OR If you seem to get along with someone in your yoga class or someone you see at the same coffee shop often, ask them to join you next time—it’s always nice to make new friends. Coffee/lunch don’t take long, so you won’t feel obligated for an entire evening if it isn’t going as planned.

STEP 2: Keep an open mind. This person may not be your new best friend or Mr. or Mrs. Right, but they may help you gain knowledge about a certain subject, know someone who might be Mr./Mrs. Right, or simply be someone fun to hang out with. Going into these situations without expectations is a great way to practice growth and patience… there is always something to be learned about oneself when we push ourselves to have new experiences.

STEP 3: Don’t judge a book by its cover. Just because they may not look like “your type”, there may be a lot more under the surface. Let people surprise you!

STEP 4: Ask questions. If they have different beliefs than you, ask open-ended questions so you can better understand them. You may gain insight into people in the world who may not agree with you. Remember to keep an open mind and exercise patience and self-control.

STEP 5: Remember, it’s just for an hour or so. If there aren’t sparks, you’ve still gained some valuable information and stepped outside your comfort zone. Celebrate your courage for taking a chance and don’t give up! Challenge yourself to try again.