Easiest Ways to Make Friends
Having a group of quality friends, large or small, is an important part of life. They are with you unconditionally through good and bad times. Making friends or expanding your current social circle is not easy for everyone, especially if you are an adult, but the result is a fulfilling social life.
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Be Yourself
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Keep it real as you set forth to make new friends; be your authentic self. Do not go out of your way to impress people or feign interest in certain subjects. True friendships are based on a mutual appreciation of one another. Be realistic; you cannot force someone to like you. Do not waste time on someone who consistently gives you the cold shoulder, as not all personalities are compatible. If you feel like you are not being your authentic self with a particular person, move on.
Have Positive Body Language
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Be aware of your body language. Do not cross your arms; it signals that you are closed off and unapproachable. Your smile is your most powerful tool. It shows you are happy, fun and approachable. Laugh often to show you have a good sense of humor. Position yourself in the center of the room at social functions instead of on the perimeters.
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Become a Good Listener
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Ask questions and be a good listener without interrupting. People take pleasure in talking about themselves. Maintain eye contact and react to the speaker.
Extend an Invitation
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Have a social gathering at your house or another location. It does not have to be a large party or for any particular occasion. A get-together over wine and cheese, a summer evening porch party, a cooking party or a sport-watching event are all casual encounters.
Join a Group
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Even solitary sports like golf offer companionship opportunities. Join a class, sports league, committee or club that rallies around your interests. There are clubs for nearly every sport, hobby or interest. Now is a good opportunity to try something you have always been interested in.
Reach Out
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Ask someone you feel a connection with for his or her contact information. Inquiring if he belongs to any social networks or asking for his email is less intimate than asking for his phone number. Do not waste any opportunity to connect.
Be Spontaneous
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Be ready to make on-the-spot plans with someone if the opportunity presents itself. If you connect with someone at an event, extend that into a post-event chat at a nearby coffee house. Accept all invitations; denying an invitation may discourage that person from inviting you in the future, thinking you are uninterested in pursuing a friendship.
Considerations
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While reaching out to others, stay in touch with quality friends you already have. Do not let setbacks discourage you.
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References
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