How to be a more interesting person?

Question

A certain 15yo, who I love dearly, thinks that she is not anywhere near as interesting as her friends are. She thinks that people find her boring.

I, personally, think that she is smart, funny, has a fascinating point of view, has a life filled with twists, turns & challenges she's overcome - but, that she's shy, self-concious, not very confident and, like many people, hasn't yet learned to love herself for who she is...

And, of course, it's not *me* that she's trying to impress with her interestingness. She knows that I love her all of the time, just for who she is.

But, anyway, what are some tips, techniques & advice for becoming a more interesting person. What makes a person interesting to you? What makes you interesting? What advice would you give to someone who thinks that they are not interesting, but who wants to be?

Answer 1

Find something that you know nothing about, but always wanted to, and become an expert in that subject. Maybe you always wanted to go to Paris. Become an expert on Paris. Learn about the history, the artists, the music. You like fashion? Find out everything you can about fashion in Paris. You like movies? The French make lots of very interesting and somewhat offbeat movies. Find where one is playing and watch it. You will find out that there is a lot more in life that you are interested in than you thought.
Embark on this kind of adventure, and you will definitely be fun to talk to.
The more knowledgeable and enthusiastic you are about anything, the more interesting you will be.

Answer 2

To me, in general, an interesting person has a neat personality, is good with conversation, and appears confident. I've also found people who are passionate about something to be interesting. It doesn't matter whether they love the Yankees, music, charity, movies, whatever... if they really love something and share it with others, that's interesting. What's not interesting, on the other hand, is a one-dimensional person, who is only interested in one thing (Brittney Spears, football, fashion, etc).

I learned in a seminar, that people who listen well to others and seem genuinely interested in their lives are considered interesting people, even though they're doing nothing but listening. Odd, but I've found that to be true.

I think I'm interesting to my friends because:
- I have a great sense of humor
- I like me just as I am, and don't care what anybody else thinks of me
- my ability to be an intelligent part of most conversations, whether that's work or basketball or hair color
- my genuine interest in their lives.

It's often hard to 'seem' interesting when you're shy, so an important strategy is to get involved in a sport or club and have a good time. Give people a chance to get to know you, so they will see that you are as interesting as your loved ones already know you are.

It's early, and I havent' had caffeine. I hope this makes sense. :) Love yourself, and people will notice, and be drawn to you.

Answer 3

Have her write down a list of goals for her life and what she would like to accomplish. Start learning a foriegn language or two , you can't get more interesting than that. Whatever she does let her know it's okay not to go with the norm, because normal is boring. Maybe she should pray about it or find something she's passionate about. For me it's helping people and animals (animal rights and vegetarianism).

good luck, it's good she has someone who loves her! :)

Answer 4

I think people who are passionate about *something* are the most interesting people. Not in a talks-on-and-on-about-nothing- else kind of way, but just sincerely passionate. And that something doesn't necessarily have to be anything earth-shattering. So figuring out what she loves is step one!

And I agree with PPs - people tend to find people who are interested in *them* interesting!

Answer 5

When we talk to others we should put most of the emphasis on them? Make them important to the conversation. Ask what do they think about such and such? Ask how are they doing? Give them compliments that will make them feel good about themselves or their opinion; without coming on too strong. We can of course bring in our opinions and thoughts too; but don't let ours over-ride theirs.
A person who shows caring for another; it reverses it back to them.
It will take some practice to be thoughtful. You don't want to come across harsh or over-bearing.

Answer 6

you can affect people if you have your own unique stile, you must dare to do some things, and tell people what you have to say about them straight in their face, you can also meet a lot of new friends if you are just who you are, and never pretend,
and don' take all the people personaly because they don't see good things when they see it, they only see what they want to see, maybe your friend is great but people just don't want to hang out with someone, funny, smart and nice, because this world isn't fair you know...

Answer 7

Interesting people, usually are interested in other people. Most 15 year old girls seem to believe they are not truly interesting at all. Being interesTED, makes everyone interesTING.

Answer 8

tell her to expand her mind. If she is not interesting now, she soon will be because everybody will go to her for answers or advice.
Knowledge is power.