Making a good first impression is, arguably, the most critical aspect of establishing a relationship in a new environment. Feeling the jittery anxiety of being an outsider, craving acceptance but simultaneously being wary of ill intention. Knowing that, at some point, you will have a connection with each individual around you in this new place. That you will be able to profile them, listen to their stories, and even pick up on their little quirks. You might even make great memories and have your lives so intertwined that you barely remember an instance when you did not know them.

But first, you must tell your story. It would be best if you bared yourself to the new universe. It would be best if you weaved an enchanting story that is true yet, riveting in its own right. There’s a science to introductions, you see. Each story’s introduction must be revealing yet concealed. You must tell the most important facets of this story but hold it in the shade of mystery. It would help if you let people wonder enough to continue reading. Your introduction should have equal amounts of full-on self-exposure but then demurely cover yourself with foreshadowing. But the most important thing of all is to be brave. Brave enough to take those few steps and stand before these foreign people. Brave enough to say…