Making Friends

Breaking out of a social rut and finding new friends is not as hard or as daunting as you may think. Whether you have just finished university, moved to a new area, started a new job or simply bored with those around you, everyone secretly craves a wider social circle.

Regardless of age, background or gender; there are a countless ways for you to meet new people and make more friends.

Before you make friends...

Before you begin to make friends – whether it be online or elsewhere, you need to think carefully about the type of company and friends you like to socialise with. Take time to reflect on yourself.

It is usually a good idea before embarking on a new social venture to consider the sorts of things YOU like.

This can be as simple as the places you like to go to eat and drink; the activities and sports you enjoy or participate in; movies to see; books to read; or, if you're searching for a livelier group of mates, where you go to party! Whatever your interests, it is difficult to make friends unless you know what you're after.

Surroundings

This step is your starting point for making new friends and widening your social network. This self-awareness and honesty will help you find the right friends to match your lifestyle and existing friendship groups. Being upfront and genuine about the sort of friends you're looking for is the key!

The way in which you 'make' friends will depend entirely on the surroundings of your initial introduction. It is always easiest to instigate a friendship with a friend-of-a-friend as you immediately have some common ground.

If this is the case, the key is not to let it dominate the conversation or the developing relationship in general.

Make sure you have actually introduced yourself to avoid being referred to as “that friend of such and such” and use this introduction to gauge whether they're interested or not – do they introduce themselves in return? Do they smile? Are they interested?

Also, you must make sure if it feels like the beginning of a potential friendship that you obtain their contact details; remember to offer yours first to avoid looking like a stalker.

This way you can arrange to meet them without being chaperoned by your mutual friend.