Start with something light about a topic that you two might have in common.

Exactly how to talk to a shy person, according to psychologists

1.

Make room for them to speak.

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Your first inclination may be to fill the silence left by a shy persons hesitancy to contribute.

Leading with how or why questions, though, naturally encourages more dialogue, says Dr. Daramus.

or What am I missing?, she says.

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

Chicago-based psychotherapist

or What do you think led up to that?

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3.

Match their conversational vibe.

Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

That is, if youre getting only two-word answers, try giving short answers in response, as well.

Mirror their body language.

And you might just find that they naturally do, too, says Dr. Carmichael.

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Engage a third elementwhether its another person or an activity.

This will also keep them from getting lost in the group shuffle.

Know when to give it a rest.

Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

Chicago-based psychotherapist

This way, your suggestion wont feel like an empty promise.

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Courtesy Berkley Publishing