Yeah right…
People typically separate themselves into two camps. Winter and summer people. Once the weather drops, the summer people go into hibernation and the winter people are left alone. Everyone ends up isolated in this scenario so while you can still respect your friends’ choices, these are ways to convince your summer friends to enjoy the cold.
Already tried convincing your friends? Maybe it’s time to find a winter friend group at IGNITE’s speed friending. Take turns going around and chatting with a wide variety of people. You’re bound to find someone that wants to go on wacky winter escapades with you.
Understand them
Nobody gets anywhere without feeling a bit of sympathy for someone turning into a popsicle in minus 30-degree weather. The worst thing you can do is blow over it like it’s a non-issue. Recognize that being engulfed in a blizzard isn’t as cozy as staying warm indoors.
Odds are you’re not the biggest fan of the cold either but you’ve learned to tolerate it with great courage.
After you’ve validated their untoward feelings, let them know that once they’re having fun, they’ll forget they’re even cold. By acknowledging that the cold is uncomfortable at first you’re letting them know that the cold is something that can be conquered. It’s an obstacle just like going out in the hot summer sun and with the right tools it won’t faze them anymore. But it starts with putting on a coat, lacing up some boots and going outside.
Talk about fun
Don’t force anything on them. At this point, when it comes up naturally, start talking about the fun side of winter. Show your passion, talk about how cool tobogganing is, the feeling you get when rushing down the steep hill. When you’re watching hockey, boast about how much fun shinny is, or the memories you have playing it. Bring up some awesome places you’ve wanted to visit to take in the beautiful winter aesthetic. It’s key to not come off as pompous or condescending. Just have a fun chat with your friends about the wonder that is winter.
There are activities in the winter that can’t be had in the summer. Skating, skiing, tobogganing and magical Hallmark village walks. Organically introduce all these new potential hobbies to your friends. You never know, they may find one of them intriguing. It’s up to you to urge them to try it out instead of giving into the fear of the cold.
During this time, you can even start inviting them to your winter outings, fully knowing they’ll say no. At least they have the option.
Know when to quit
Some people can’t be convinced and it’s not your job to do it. Give them the opportunity, show them what they’re missing out on and if they still decline, respect it.
With your current friend group in hibernation, now is the perfect opportunity to attend speed friending and find your new winter pal. You might not have to convince anyone, find someone who wants to go skating with you off the jump.
Attend IGNITE’s speed friending on Jan. 13 for the University of Guelph-Humber, Jan. 15 at the Lakeshore campus, January 20 at the Downtown campus and Jan. 22 at the North campus.
Nobody is saying to ditch your friends though. You can always continue the hang out with them after your done parading around in the winter wonderland with your new bestie. Best of all, when you go back inside you’ll be warming up with a hot chocolate next to a heater. It’s heaven.
Just remind them that when summer comes around and they want to burn in the hot sun, to remember what happened when the roles were reversed.
Curious to see all the cool new activities you can do this winter? Take a look on all of IGNITE’s socials for inspiration (YouTube), fun (TikTok) and some awesome winter aesthetics (Instagram).
Feature image by Hanna Lazar on Unsplash
Enjoy this winter break even when everyone else is busy.
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