It can affect your social life if you are afraid of making friends.You can't make the connections that you deserve if you have this fear.You can overcome your fear of making friends if you accept that everyone makes mistakes, work on your social skills, and learn where to meet people.
Step 1: How you feel about yourself is the most important thing.
People are afraid to make friends because they think people are judging them.While some people may judge you from time to time, most people are too busy thinking about their own lives to think about you.If you want to overcome worries about people judging you, focus on how you feel about yourself.When you are trying to make friends, tell yourself that people are not judging you.People think more about themselves than I do.They are probably just as worried about other people judging them as I am.Do daring fashion choices make you feel attractive, bold, or quirky?
Step 2: People won't care if you embarrassed yourself.
People are nervous to make friends because they are afraid they will be embarrassed.Everyone will laugh, judge, and not like them if they do something stupid or wrong.This isn't true.A minute after it happens, most people won't think about your embarrassment.It will not be the end of the world if I embarrassment myself.People will not make a big deal about it.They may not even notice.
Step 3: Remember that you are the worst critic.
Sometimes people find it hard to make friends because they remind themselves of why other people don't like them.You can tell yourself that you are worthless or stupid.This isn't true.Just like everyone else, you deserve friends.When you think negative thoughts, tell yourself that they are your own distorted thoughts.Other people aren't as harsh about me as I am.I should be liked by others because I am worthy of friendship.
Step 4: There are things that have happened.
Social fears can lead to obsessions about things we did while around other people.We focus on how stupid we are and dwell on our mistakes.You should stop doing this if other people don't think of you.When you find yourself replaying a conversation, tell yourself to stop.This is worse than it was because I am viewing it in a distorted way.It is okay that this did not go the way you wanted, if you did experience something that didn't go as planned.I may have said something wrong, but I am still a good person.Everyone makes mistakes.
Step 5: It is okay to make mistakes.
No one is perfect.No one expects you to be perfect.It is not true that you cannot make friends unless you are perfect all the time.Most people connect with someone who is flawed and vulnerable because they make mistakes and act like they are perfect all the time.Weaknesses, failures, and faults can be endearing.They make us who we are.Being open about these things can help you form connections with other people.
Step 6: It's good to smile at people.
You can overcome your fear of making new friends by smiling at people.Making eye contact and smiling is a low-stakes form of interaction.Most people smile back and speak.Adding a "Hello" or "How are you?" to your smile will increase your social interaction.
Step 7: Talk to others.
The more you talk to other people, the easier it will be to befriend them.Speak to people and compliment them.When you are standing around, ask someone a question, or start a conversation with someone at work.You could say, "I like your jacket" or "Have you eaten here before?"If the interaction isn't a success, shake it off.This doesn't matter.
Step 8: You need to get out of your head.
It's part of the fear of making new friends that you're inside your head.Put your focus on the environment around you.The focus should be on the other people.You don't have to worry about what you say, do, or act like.It helps to focus on the other person.
Step 9: Do not take things personally.
If someone doesn't seem like they want to be your friend, try not to let it bother you.A person may not respond in a positive way.It is not the end of the world, no matter what the reason is.Next time, you will try again.A person's reaction to you may not have anything to do with them.
Step 10: Good friends can be found in people who have good friend qualities.
Negative experiences with new friends in the past may be part of the reason why you might fear making friends.Good friends can be found in the people you meet.Trustworthiness is one of the good friend qualities.Honesty.Dependability is dependent.There is loyalty.Being supportive and encouraging.It is possible to be compassionate.Being able to listen.It makes you feel good when you are around them.
Step 11: Try something new.
It is possible to meet new people in a low-stakes, comfortable environment if you try a new activity.It can help you overcome your fear of making friends by giving you a chance to get to know the people and become comfortable with them.It can be less awkward to meet people at an activity where you are doing something.You meet people with similar interests.You can join a hiking organization, take a sewing or gym class, or attend a social meeting.
Step 12: Socialize in small groups.
Socializing in large groups can make you nervous.Your fears may be worsened by large groups.Some of the pressure can be taken off by getting together in smaller groups.It is easier to talk to a small group of people.You can go out with friends of friends, or you can get together with family members or co-workers.
Step 13: People with similar interests are good friends.
It is more likely that you will enjoy each other's company if you befriend people with similar interests.You can find people with similar interests at the local book club or painting class.You should pay attention to the people you interact with.People are at your job, in your neighborhood, or at places you frequent.They are all potential friends because they are familiar with you.
Step 14: You can join an interest group.
There are many people who are interested in the same thing.You can interact with people in a safe environment with this.It is possible to get over your fear of making friends by talking to people who share your interests.You can find an art club, a board game meet up, or a kayaking group.Community arts organizations are also good to check out.
Step 15: People who would like to volunteer.
You can find a cause or organization in your area.This will allow you to meet people who share your enthusiasm for a cause.Good causes to volunteer for can be found around your area.