Meeting a potential boyfriend or girlfriend may be hard, but guess what? Making new friends can sometimes be just as hard… especially if you’re not particularly loud or outgoing. The good news? Making friends is still easier and more relaxed than making a romantic relationship. So, at least there’s that!
In all seriousness, I’m here to give you some tips on how to make friends. Why? Because friends are great and it’s kind of impossible to have too many of them. Ready to make some new buddies? Check out these 8 tips, get out there and go meet some people, whether it’s at work, school or the gym.
Be Friendly
This one is pretty obvious. In order to meet potential friends, you need to be giving out a friendly vibe. No one feels really comfortable approaching someone who looks angry, miserable or unfriendly. Put on a happy face and always say hi. Be open to meeting new people and you probably will meet new people. Source: ShutterStockDon't Overshare Right Away
According to researchers, the key to making friends fast is not oversharing. In other words, don't spill on all of your personal business within the first few days of hanging out with a new friend. Researchers found that people who gradually disclosed info about themselves made more friends than those who didn't. It's all about taking things slow to build a real connection. Source: ShutterStockAsk People To Hang Out
If you think the girl who sits next to you in class or your new coworker seems really cool, don't be afraid to take your very casual friendship to the next level - ask her to hang out! If you know you have something in common, like you're both obsessed with tacos, ask her if she wants to get lunch with you one day. It's a simple way to start hanging out. The key to this? Don't be too nervous. Just keep things casual. Asking someone to hang out isn't weird or annoying. Source: ShutterStockAccept Invitations
At the same time, you should also be accepting the invitations you get - even if they're for things you wouldn't normally do on your own. I'm not saying you do anything that makes you uncomfortable (you shouldn't), but just be open to new things. And if you're busy that day? Make sure you state that you need to make plans for a different date. Source: ShutterStockBe Interested In Their Life
You might be dying to find a new friend to get relationship advice from, but a friendship is a two-way street - you should be interested in her life also. People love talking about themselves more than you think, so ask her some questions about her life to get her talking. She'll find it flattering that you care and that you're interested and before you know it, you two will be having convos on the regular. Source: ShutterStockDon't Gossip Too Much
I love a good gossip sesh as much as the next girl, but I probably wouldn't indulge in it with a brand new friend. It may seem harmless to you, but gossiping can also make you seem mean, catty and untrustworthy - three qualities we usually don't look for in besties. The other danger? Accidentally gossiping about someone she knows. Things will get awkward fast. Source: ShutterStockDon't Be Super Pushy
While I definitely want to encourage you to reach out to others, be friendly and act outgoing, I also don't want to encourage you to be super pushy. No one likes someone who texts or calls constantly and if you try to hang out with her every single day, it's probably going to get a little annoying. Give her a little space to get in touch with you on her own sometimes. Source: ShutterStockBe Confident
I'm always telling you girls to be confident when you're looking to attract the attention of the opposite sex. Well, guess what? Being confident attracts pretty much anyone, including a potential BFF. When trying to make friends, always be yourself unapologetically. If people don't like you for you, you don't want to be friends with them anyway. Source: ShutterStockHow do you make friends? Which tips did I miss? Do you find it difficult to make new friends? Tell me in the comments.