シャイなバックパッカーが友達を作る方法

By Carmen Recavarren
投稿日 2016/03/29

ホステル -

 

If there’s one assumption about backpackers that really needs to be challenged, it’s this: that they’re confident. That anyone who chooses to step out into the unknown, and who chooses to stay in shared dorms with strangers, must be naturally self-assured and gregarious.

It sounds convincing, but it simply isn’t true. We’ve all met travellers who’d rather dive into a good book about the city they’re in, or sip a coffee in the corner of a café, than hit the bars. Some of you reading this probably are that traveller.

Being quieter or shy shouldn’t stop you from heading out into the wide hostel-filled world. If you genuinely prefer your own company, track down smaller hostels that cater for families or couples rather than those with large common rooms and regular theme nights – you’re more likely to find a quieter spot to be left to your own devices.

And if you’re the kind of shy traveller who does want to make friends, well, there are strategies that can help you. Here are some things to try:

ウォーキングツアーやパブ巡りに参加しよう

A shared activity makes conversation so much easier. There’s a constant stream of things to talk about – new experiences, new sights, funny moments. You don’t have to root around for topics because they naturally present themselves. A simple ‘Isn’t that incredible?’ or ‘How beautiful!’ will break the ice.

質問しましょう

Avoid clichéd openers like ‘What’s your name?’ and ‘Where do you come from?’ They’re really monotonous, and can come across as pretty blunt. Instead of inviting one-word answers, invite stories – ask someone what they’ve been up to during the day, what their plans are for tomorrow, or how much they’ve seen of the area.

相手の良いところを見つけよう

They’re clues to what make people tick and what will prompt a good pow-wow. By paying a compliment and opening conversation, you’ll come across as super friendly.他の人が着ているものや持っているものに注目してみましょう。相手を褒めたり、会話を始めると、フレンドリーに

・素敵なカメラですね。良い写真は撮れましたか?
・素敵なTシャツですね。どこで買いましたか?
・変わったネックレス/ブレスレットですね。どこで見つけましたか?
・XYZに行ったことがありますか?どうでしたか?
・私も[相手のTシャツに書かれている場所の名前を入れる]にいましたよ。どこに宿泊していましたか?

これ以外にもいろいろなパターンを試してみてください。あなたも初対面の人との会話のきっかけとなるようなものを持参したり、身に着けたりするように心がけましょう。

気まずい沈黙

恐ろしく気まずい沈黙を避ける一番の方法は、相手の話をよく聞き、アクティブに会話に参加することです。沈黙が生じた場合は、相手が話した内容を振り返ったり、話を違った方向に向けたりしてみましょう。

・歴史を勉強したそうですが、どこの大学ですか?
・バンジージャンプをしたそうですが、私にはできないと思います。怖かったですか?

Get your cook on (but time it right)

Cooking can be wonderfully social, but peak time in a hostel kitchen is often too hectic to strike up a good conversation. So head in early, when there are just a couple of people rustling up meals.

A friendly ‘Hmm smells good’ is an easy opener... but be careful of looking like you’re after a freebie! Start your own cooking, and maybe crack open a bottle of local wine and offer your fellow cooks a glass. Who’s going to turn that down while their pasta boils away?

When you’ve talked about recipes and shared the kitchen tricks your mum taught you – and picked up some new skills from your new friends – sit down at the kitchen table and tuck in together.

Head to the bar

Timing’s everything with this one too. If big crowds aren’t your strong point, avoid Friday night. Pop down earlier in the evening or during the week. When it’s quiet, the bar is a great spot to meet people over a peaceful drink. And again, think about physical conversation starters – wear an interesting tee, carry a popular cult book or go through some of your best photos.

Get arty

Ok, so you’re not going to travel with an easel and a set of paints. But a sketch pad and some pencils are easy to carry and make a great talking point. Head to the common room or the sun terrace and start doodling. People can see what you’ve produced, appreciate it and leap into conversation. The same goes for any arty or crafty activity: knitting, crocheting, origami, you name it...

笑顔を忘れずに

And finally, this could be the most important piece of advice. Smile! When you smile, people warm to you. It’s as simple as that.最後に、最も重要なアドバイスは相手と笑顔で話すことです。笑顔でいると、相手も温かく接してくれるはずです。

さあ、勇気を出して実行してみましょう。会話を始めてみると、思いのほか簡単に楽しむことができるでしょう。