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How to build your confidence and get what you want

Confidence is key in many areas of life, from career growth to social relationships and dating. However, for many people, especially those from minority communities, confidence may not come as naturally.

In Asian culture, humility is highly valued, and playing down one's skills is seen as a trait. But in the UK, where boldness is often necessary to be heard, this can sometimes cause a challenge when connecting with others, especially in social or dating settings.

So, how do you build confidence while keeping true to yourself? Whether you want to meet British Chinese friends, expand your social group, or try dating through an East Asian dating app in the UK, these tips will help you step out of your comfort zone and get what you want.

Understand the Cultural Differences and Adapt

In Asian culture, modesty is deeply ingrained, and speaking too confidently about your skills or successes can be seen as vanity. On the other hand, in the UK, self-promotion is often essential to stand out, whether in job interviews, social events, or dating.

This does not mean you need to change who you are. Instead, learn to combine humility with self-assurance. It is okay to stress your skills and share your views freely. Practice speaking up in group settings and sharing your ideas with confidence. Over time, this will become second nature.

Prepare Conversation Points

One of the biggest confidence killers is not knowing what to say. If you often find yourself stuck in talks, a little planning can go a long way. Before the event, ensure you know everyone’s names and interests. Prioritise who you wish to speak to and work according to your list when you’re in the room. Prepare some subjects to raise when in conversation, so you never have awkward silences. When in conversation, ask questions, and find ‘hooks’ of common interests to expand on. Likewise, when asked questions, offer answers that may provide hooks on subjects you wish to talk about. All of this may seem complicated to remember, but with practice, you will become a natural.
 

Dress the Part

Confidence is not just about how you speak but also about how you show yourself. Dressing well can quickly make you feel more self-assured. This does not mean you must wear something flashy or outside your comfort zone. Instead, focus on clothes that make you feel good and show your identity.

When using an East Asian dating app in England or meeting someone new, dressing carefully shows effort and respect. Whether it is a casual meet-up or a formal event, wearing clothes that fit well and make you feel relaxed can boost your confidence quickly.

Speak with Conviction

How you say something is just as important as what you say. A strong, steady voice naturally commands respect and makes people listen. If you mumble or speak too softly, practice speaking at a slightly higher volume and with clear articulation.

Avoid phrases like "I don’t know if this makes sense" or "Sorry, but I think..." These weaken your statements. Instead, speak confidently: "I believe..." or "This is how I see it..." Small changes in phrasing can make a big difference in how people perceive you.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Building confidence is like training a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Challenge yourself to try new experiences, even if they initially feel slightly uncomfortable. This could be:

• Making the first move in conversations
• Showing up in new circles by yourself
• Branching out to speak to people from different backgrounds, ages, and experiences

Every time you push yourself beyond your comfort zone, your confidence grows.

Use Maccha to Break the Ice

If meeting new people feels scary, the Maccha app can make things easier. As a top app for meeting British-Chinese and East Asians in the UK, Maccha helps connect like-minded people in the British, Chinese and ESEA communities. Whether you are looking for company, dating, or important ties, the app allows you to find people who share your background and hobbies.

Maccha takes the heat off by allowing you to start talks online before meeting in person. You can chat, find shared ground, and build relationships in a friendly setting. It is the best way to ease into social conversations and gain confidence before taking things offline.

Surround Yourself with Confident People

Confidence is contagious. Being around self-assured, upbeat people can inspire you to adopt the same attitude. 

Spend time with friends who push you to be bold, take risks, and believe in yourself. If you are using an Asian dating app like Maccha, look for people who boost you and bring out your best traits.

Observing how confident people carry themselves, talk, and handle situations can teach you important lessons in self-assurance.

Keep Practicing and Be Patient

Building confidence is a journey, not an overnight change. There will be times of self-doubt, but do not let them discourage you. Every talk, social contact, and new experience adds to your growth. Over time, what once felt tough will become second nature.

Wrapping Up

Confidence is a strong tool that helps you get what you want—whether that is important friendships, exciting dating experiences, or simply feeling more comfortable in social settings. The ESEA community in the UK faces unique challenges due to cultural differences, but with practice and the right attitude, you can solve them.

By planning talking points, dressing the part, speaking with confidence, and going out of your comfort zone, you will find yourself becoming more self-assured. And with sites like Maccha, meeting new people becomes faster and more fun.

So, take that first step, put yourself out there, and start building the confidence to connect, grow, and thrive in the UK. Who knows? Your next great friendship or love link might be just one talk away.