Sociability: definition, levels and ways of development

Psychology is a science that concerns everyone. All people have certain qualities. The most important psychological characteristic of each 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 make 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 was investigated 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 a branch of psychology such as social.

People far from professional psychology very often confuse such concepts as “sociable” and “sociable”. It is worth distinguishing these phenomena. So, sociability is a property of character. The sociable person likes to be in the company, to conduct conversations and make new acquaintances. On the other hand, sociability is an acquired quality, the development of which should be constantly worked on, since this characteristic will be useful to people of almost all professions.An outgoing 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 embarrassed by other people 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 consider them in detail.

• A low level of sociability is characteristic of reserved and shy people. They communicate only with the closest and kin. When communicating with strangers, owners of a low level of sociability experience great discomfort. An insufficient level of sociability can be associated with childhood psychological trauma or low self-esteem. Most comfortable these people feel in the process of telephone or written (for example, on social networks and e-mail) communication.
• An average level of sociability is characteristic of moderately open and sincere in character people. They are absolutely comfortable and free to feel in the process of communicating with family and friends. Slight embarrassment may occur when talking to strangers. Sociable introverts often have an average level.
• The level of sociability above the average is also called excessive sociability. 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 of the fact that it is rather difficult for them to find an interlocutor.

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

• equilibrium (it is important to maintain calm when communicating with a wide 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 and improve (there should always be topics for conversation);
• benevolence etc.

Sociability is crucial in the psychological development of each person. Through communication, we socialize, learn to interact with other people, and study the rules of life in society. In addition, communication helps to combat such negative traits as isolation.

Communication helps to form a strong and independent personality. You should always remember that a person is not only a biological, but also a social creature. Thus, only a sociable person can consider himself civilized. Communication plays a crucial role both in the life of an adult and in the life of a child. That is why in no case should you deprive children of the opportunity to communicate with their peers: go for walks to playgrounds, take your children to art groups.

It’s worth remembering that it is important to communicate with people older and younger than yourself - in this way you will be able to form a complete and diverse 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 this. Today in our article we bring to your attention a few simple rules and principles for the development of sociability.

• Primarily it is recommended to perceive more information. Read books, watch scientific educational films and programs. You should have conversation topics.
• Do not avoid contact with your friends: for example, if you see your neighbor in the store, then come and say hello.
• Get out of your comfort zone and get to know yourself first. You can start with social networks and special offers for dating, and then gradually switch to real dating.
• Try to expand the amount of communication with the opposite sex. For example, ask a girl or a guy on the street how to get to one place or another.
• Try to approach everything with humor.. Even if you encounter a negative in the process of communication, try to translate it as a joke.
• Do not be afraid to compliment people. For example, if you noted a beautiful wardrobe item, then do not hesitate to approach even a stranger and express your positive opinion.
• Chat with a variety of people. This applies to representatives of different social and economic sectors, different professions, as well as people living in different countries. This will help improve and develop your skill.