How to Make New Friends

I went for coffee with an individual earlier this week and the topic of our social lives came up. Our general consensus was that the older we got, the less likely we were to make friends and each year that goes by makes us more and more like an introvert.

So it got me thinking… What are some ways that we can make new friends? It’s definitely not as easy as walking up to somebody on the playground and asking to play jump rope. So here it goes…

Make a list. Sit down and make a list of potential friends. These might be people you are acquaintances with and haven’t really gotten to know each other.
Make Contact. Start with a quick text. Say Hi! See them in the street? Stop, say hi and ask how things are going.
Pay Attention. The best friends are the ones who pay attention to what someone else says. Are they on their way to a job interview? Remember that. Next time you see them, ask them how it went.
Invite Them Out. Are you going to see a movie with a friend or family member? Invite your potential friends to come too! It takes away some of the pressure, and gives you a chance to get to know them a bit better in a group setting.
Meet New People. Sometimes we have exhausted our lists and we need to find new people to become friends with. Although this can be incredibly scary, it can also be very rewarding. Join a club. Go to social events. Look for people outside of your circle to become friends with.
Utilize Social Media. Meet a new person and want to become friends? Check and see if they’re on Facebook. Add them as a friend or message them and say Hi!
Accept any invitations. Did they invite you to go bowling or go see a movie? Unless you have a prior commitment that cannot be changed try not to turn down the invitation. Although it may not be personal, it can send the message that you do not want to become friends.
Stop Trying so Hard. Once you’ve made contact and started a budding friendship, try not to spend all your time working on it. If you try to hard it can appear that you are being smothering or you are clingy… Two things that you do not want to be labeled as.

Nichole is a Social Media Marketing Manager, student, daughter and friend. She’s working on her Marketing Diploma and has a Certificate of Christian Theology. She is an avid coffee lover who enjoys a good movie or book. She takes great joy in organizing, scheduling, and volunteering. Her passion for volunteerism extends specifically to those who are hurting, whether it is emotionally, physically, or mentally.

Nichole is certified to provide Mental Health First Aid, which means she can provide immediate support and guidance in a safe environment, comfortably have a conversation about mental health related issues and offer professional and other supports. This does NOT make Nichole a psychologist, or a counselor. It simply gives her the tools to direct people to the help they need.

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