In-Class Friends

I don't know about you, but as I have mentioned millions of times throughout this blog, my classes are pretty painful this semester. However, something that I have noticed about the classes that I do like is that I usually have a few "in-class friends". These people, while not part of my inner circle of friends that I hang out with on a consistent basis, are always really fun, and definitely make my classes worth going to. In college, it is easier than ever to make friends. Every class is full of new people with varying interests and personalities.

Some of my best friends get confused as to how I talk to so many people in my classes. Here are a few ways to start the first conversations.

• Ask for notes, a pen, note cards, etc.- If this isn't done incessantly, it can actually strengthen a relationship which might not have been there previously. According to some study that I read a while ago, relationships are strengthened when someone asks someone else for a favor.
• Compliment them- Who doesn't like being complimented? It gives me a positive opinion on a person if they say something nice about me. 
• O3- Ostracization of Other- This way is will may not be the nicest, and can often backfire. This method basically consists of insulting either someone else in your class or the professor. Gossip bonds people together, especially if the other two methods have failed. If this is a little too harsh for you, you can reverse it by instead saying something nice about a third party.  
  

Having in-class friends, besides making classes a lot more interesting, can also be really useful. If you happen to be feeling under the weather, an in-class friend can be the easiest way to catch up. It's also fun if they are part of your major. None of my best friends are as into literature as me, but a lot of my in-class friends are.