1. Rules for Successful Interpersonal
Interactions
*Just like playing chess, having successfulinteractions with peers takes hard work,
practice, and following certain rules*
1. In chess, every move is calculated and completely thought through
before being made: approaching a peer is the same. Before youwalk up
to a person, take 15 seconds to see if they have signs of not wantingto be
spoken to or if they seem open to company.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF?
Do they have headphones on? Yes, or No
Are they reading? Yes, or No
Are they on their laptop? Yes, or No
Are they speaking with someone? Yes, or No
If you answer “No” to all four of these questions, you can go say hello.
If you say “Yes” to one or more of these question, do not go say hello.
2. Now that you have said hello, it is importantto remember that a
conversation is just like a game of chess because each player must have a
turn. So after you say hello and ask how they are doing, give the other
person to say hello and to ask youquestions.
In chess, no one would want to
play with youif you didn’t give
them a turn to go.
Speakingwith someone is the
same.

2. 3. In chess, you do not want to reveal all your moves to your opponents.
When you first meet a person, you do not have to tell them everything
about you. Wait to share personal information – like having Asperger’s –
until the person you are speaking with asks or when you know that they
are your friend.
4. How do you knowthey are your friend? Playingchess with someone
who wants to play chess is a lot more fun than playingwith someone who
hates chess. An important first sign of friendship is commoninterests (like
you both love playingchess). The more youand the other person have in
common,the better friends you can be.
5. Even if you are very sure that youand this person are friends now, you
need to follow these rules and speak with this person 4 different times
before youask them for their phone number or to be Facebook friends. In
chess, you would not say that you have won the game until you are
absolutely sure. Callingsomeone your friend is the same; do not call them
your friend unless youare absolutely sure that you have followed these
rules and that they are your friend.

3. 6. Sportsmanshipis very importantin chess. Whether you win or lose, you
should shake hands with your opponent and walk away. The same is with
a friendship. Even if the person makes you upset, it is best to just walk
away. If the person does not want to play a chess game with you, or they
don’t want to give you their phone number or Facebook information, you
need to respect that person’s decision and just walk away.