It can be hard to find new friends when you've moved or lost touch with old friends.It can be done with perseverance and patience.You need to meet people!You need to make yourself available to them so they think of you as a potential new friend.Taking additional steps from there can help ensure that your relationship lasts.
Step 1: Look for quality friends.
Your values, interests, and beliefs will be shared with an ideal friend.Quality friendship is based on mutual understanding and acceptance of your differences.Try to find a friend who is interested in you and your life.They will take the time to listen to what you have to say.Accept that you have differing opinions.Don't judge or pressure you to change your beliefs.Share their feelings and thoughts with you.Being open and sharing things about yourself is something you should be comfortable with.
Step 2: Reach out to people you know.
It is expected that strong friends will rely on consistent interaction.You should focus on people you already see.Most people who fall into this category will either work or attend school with you.Consider anyone you see frequently.A passenger on the train who walks their dog in the park at the same time as you could be this person.If you don't speak with your best friend a lot, a stronger relationship can be formed with people like these.
Step 3: You should go to parties.
Accept all invitations from other people.The whole point of a party is to relax, let your hair down, and socialize, so this is the perfect place to strike up conversations with people you don't know.When you're given the chance to attend a party, jump at it!Even if the person is not the friend you're looking for, do so.You may meet someone more desirable through them.
Step 4: Talk to people who share your interests.
People love talking about things they love, so use that to your advantage.If you see someone engaging in something that you're passionate about, engage them!You could both go on and on about the topic.Mentioning that a certain book is a great read if you see someone reading it or pulling it off a shelf at the library or bookstore is simple.Comment on how much you love a band if you see someone wearing a t-shirt with their name or images.If it's an animal that you love, compliment it.
Step 5: You can hit the scene.
People tend to gather to relax or be entertained when they go to coffee shops, concerts, shows, or anywhere else.Bars and clubs are good places to go if you're older.If you want to meet people, you have to go where they are.Whether it's the park or the beach, go wherever the scene is.
Step 6: You should go to the events.
If the idea of just walking into a bar or coffee shop on a random night and meeting strangers is intimidating, then go to an event that is open to the public.Use the subject at hand as an ice-breaker by choosing one that appeals to your interests.You could go to: quiz nights, wine-tastings, professional conferences, and walking tours.
Step 7: Join a group.
Use people's tribal mindset to your advantage.If you're part of a unifying group, friendship will be easier.You can join any organization that interests you.It is possible to form an instant bond with fellow members by using your memberships and shared interests.Gym classes, sports team, or similar clubs are things to consider.
Step 8: Go through your friends.
A group of people don't need to be an official club.Treat other people's circle of friends as a group.You can form a more direct relationship with each of them if you befriend one person at a time.Meeting new friends through existing ones makes it easier to build new relationships because everyone is already connected.You don't have to turn down friendship with a dozen different people just because you meet each one separately.Expect more work to keep those friends alive.
Step 9: It's possible to meet people online.
Don't think that friendship needs to be face-to-face in order to survive.You should use the internet.You can join online communities that share your interests.In a real world setting, start conversations with other users.
Step 10: Turn solitary activities into social ones.
A great way to break the ice with new people is to have a common interest, but not all interests lend themselves immediately to a group setting.If most or all of your hobbies and passion projects are one-person endeavors, consider ways to include other people in them.If you enjoy writing, join a workshop where you and other members share your work and discuss it.Runners can find clubs in their area that practice and run races together.Attend seminars if you do a lot of home improvement projects.
Step 11: Ask for contact information.
When you have a positive exchange with someone new, ask for their contact information.Show that you want to do it again by enjoying your time together.Provide them with your own so they can get in touch with you, too.You don't need every possible way to reach them, so just ask for their email address and phone number.
Step 12: When necessary, break your routine.
Don't let your own routine hold you back.You have to make room in your life for new friends.You should be willing to make time for them.If you enjoy watching TV at home, you will enjoy winding down after school or work.If you have work or class five days a week, sticking to this pattern without fail will limit your availability.You don't have to go out partying straight from work or school.You should be willing to change your routine by inviting people over or chatting with them online or over the phone.
Step 13: Mr. should not be avoided.
Or Miss Right?Don't limit yourself by holding your new friends to an unrealistic standard.You may have a preconceived idea of what your perfect friend would be, but don't compare real people to that.Don't be afraid to surprise yourself.Let's say you joined a running club and started running with someone else.You realize as you get to know them that they are different from you and lead a different lifestyle.It doesn't mean that this person will not be a great friend, even though you may have hoped to meet someone much like yourself.They could open the door to new experiences that you wouldn't have had before.
Step 14: Show that you are vulnerable.
Don't confuse self-confidence with trying to come off as perfect 24/7.If you give new friends the chance to provide advice, comfort, and emotional support, they will feel a deeper bond with you.Don't be afraid to share your fears with new people.If you want to meet new people, you can incorporate this into your decision about what type of groups or activities you would like to join.If you're nervous about public speaking or even skydiving, join a drama club.
Step 15: You can meet your new friends outside of established settings.
Think of your friends at school.You probably hung out with your friends during school breaks and lost touch with some of the people you only saw in the classroom.Don't let the circumstances of your first meeting define your relationship.Your relationship can be extended outside of the classroom.If you've become friends with a mutual friend, don't allow yourself to become dependent on that friend.Suggest a one-on-one time without them.If you've met new friends in an art class, you can join a new class or just meet up for coffee before the course ends.
Step 16: Follow through with your plans.
It's good to plan to meet up for coffee or a movie, but you should never break plans with people.Whatever your plans are, see them through.They don't think of you as a flake if you prove yourself to be reliable.Sometimes you need to break plans.It's important to follow through whenever you can, even if you don't like coffee or drinks when the time comes.
Step 17: Say yes to the invitations.
Accept their offers to meet up and hang out.You don't have to go out partying the night before a big test or meeting just to please your new friend, but remember: strong friendships need regular contact.You can show them that you want to be friends by spending time together.If you keep turning them down, they will probably stop giving you the chance.Let them know if there is a specific reason why you have to keep saying no.They should be offered alternatives so they know they still matter to you.Explain the situation if they keep asking you to go out dancing on Thursday night when you have to wake up early every Friday.If that's the only time they can meet, then suggest another time to meet up, or a more relaxing activity for Thursday night.
Step 18: They try to reach out to you.
Don't make the other person feel like they're the only one keeping in touch.Keeping your friendship active is an equal amount of responsibility.If they've set up a fun activity to do together, or just reached out to you via email, return the favor and do the same thing again.If they happen to be shy or reserved, one exception would be.If they matched their level, it would spell doom.It will be on you to keep in touch if they aren't the type to reach out themselves.
Step 19: Be attentive to others.
When you hang out with friends or meet new people, be sure to focus on them, not on you.When you show interest in other people, you'll be able to better connect with others.It shows if you are fully engaged in what they are saying.People can pick up on that quickly, so don't pretend to listen.
Step 20: It's a bad idea to act a part.
Meeting new people and trying new things often means stepping outside of your comfort zone, but as you do, be careful to stay true to yourself.Don't act like someone you're not trying to impress.If you feel like playing a part is necessary to maintain your friendship, the truth is that you're probably better off being friends with someone else.