Sociability: definition, levels and ways of development

Psychology is a science that affects everyone. All people have certain qualities. The most important psychological characteristic of every person is sociability. Today in our article we will tell you about what sociability is, according to psychologists, and also consider the existing types of sociability and the principles of its development.

Sociability is the ability to establish contacts as well as engage in constructive dialogue. This trait determines the level of your verbal activity (words are more important, and non-verbal signs recede into the background). The phenomenon of sociability in the theory of psychology has been studied by many scientists (both domestic and foreign). So, for example, G. M. Andreeva, A. A. Bodalev, B. D. Parygin, V. N. Panferov, N. N. Obozov and others worked on the development of this term. This concept is central to such a branch of psychology as social.

People who are far from professional psychology often confuse concepts such as "sociable" and "communicative". It is worth distinguishing between these phenomena. So, sociability is a character trait. A sociable person loves to be in a company, to have conversations and make new acquaintances. On the other side, sociability is an acquired quality, on the development of which one should constantly work, since this characteristic will be useful for people of almost all professions.A sociable person is not one who loves, but one who knows how to communicate.

Sociable people communicate for pleasure, they start conversations in a variety of situations, not being embarrassed by the people around them and not thinking about the impression they make on others... Sociable people always think over the line of their behavior in the process of communication, often sociability is a means of achieving certain goals.

Professional psychologists distinguish several levels and types of sociability, each of which includes a number of distinctive features. Today in our article we will look at them in detail.

• A low level of sociability is characteristic of withdrawn and shy people. They communicate only with the closest and dearest. When communicating with strangers, those with a low level of sociability experience severe discomfort. Lack of sociability can be associated with childhood trauma or low self-esteem. Such people feel most comfortable in the process of telephone or written (for example, in social networks and by e-mail) communication.
• The average level of sociability is characteristic of people who are open and sincere in character. They feel absolutely comfortable and free in the process of communicating with family and friends. A little embarrassment can arise when talking to strangers. Outgoing introverts are often intermediate.
• Above average sociability is also called overly sociable. Such people can easily start a conversation not only with a friend, but also with a stranger (for example, in a large company or in transport). Very often, representatives of this level are faced with the problem that it is quite difficult for them to win over the interlocutor.

Despite the fact that each person is individual and unlike any other, most sociable people have similar characteristics. Today in our article we will consider the personality traits that are inherent in sociable people:

• equilibrium (it is important to keep calm when communicating with a variety of people, a balanced person always makes a positive impression in the eyes of the interlocutor);
• attentiveness (the ability to memorize and reproduce a large amount of information);
• observation (the ability to capture the mood and behavior of your interlocutor);
• empathy (the ability to put yourself in the place of another person);
• optimism (always be in a good mood);
• desire to learn new things and improve (there should always be topics of conversation);
• benevolence etc.

Sociability is essential in the psychological development of every person. Through communication, we socialize, learn to interact with other people, study the rules of life in society. In addition, communication helps fight negative personality traits such as withdrawal.

Communication helps to form a strong and independent personality. It should always be remembered that man is not only a biological, but also a social creature. Thus, only a sociable person can consider himself civilized. Communication plays a vital role in both the life of an adult and a child. That is why in no case should children be deprived of the opportunity to communicate with their peers: go out to playgrounds, take children to art circles.

It should be remembered that also it is important to communicate with people older and younger than yourself - in this way you can form a complete and versatile understanding of the modern world, get acquainted with different points of view and worldview concepts.

Sociability is a quality that can and should be developed. However, many people have questions about how to do it correctly. Today in our article we bring to your attention a few simple rules and principles for the development of sociability.

• First of all it is recommended to take in more information. Read books, watch educational films and programs. You should have conversation topics.
• Do not avoid contact with your acquaintances: for example, if you see your neighbor at the store, then walk up and say hello.
• Step out of your comfort zone and be the first to meet. You can start with social networks and special offers for dating, and then gradually move on to real dating.
• Try to expand the amount of communication with the opposite sex. For example, ask a girl or guy on the street for directions to a particular location.
• Try to approach everything with humor.... Even if in the process of communication you encounter negativity, try to translate it into a joke.
• Don't be afraid to compliment people. For example, if you have noted a beautiful wardrobe item, then do not hesitate to approach even a stranger and express your positive opinion.
• Chat with a wide variety of people... This applies to representatives of different social and economic strata, different professions, as well as people living in different countries. This will help you improve and develop your skill.