Close relationships don't happen overnight, but there are steps
you can take to help you connect with others and make friends. When looking for
places to meet new people, try to be open to new ideas and cultivate an
interest in other people, their lives, and their stories. Not everything you
try will be successful but you will often have fun and learn from the
experience.
Ø Volunteering can be a great way to help others while also meeting new
people. Volunteering also gives you the opportunity to regularly practice and
develop your social skills.
Ø Take a class or join a club to meet people with common interests,
such as a book group, dinner club, or sports team. Websites such as Meetup.com
can help you find local groups or start your own and connect with others who
share similar interests.
Ø Walk a dog. It's good exercise for you, great fun for the animal, and
an excellent way to meet people. Dog owners often stop and chat while their dogs
sniff or play with each other. If dog ownership isn't right for you, volunteer
to walk dogs from a shelter or a local rescue group.
Ø Invite a neighbor or work colleague for a
drink or to a movie. Lots of other
people feel just as uncomfortable about reaching out and making new friends as
you do. Be the one to break the ice. Your neighbor or colleague will thank you
later.
Ø Track down old friends via social media sites. Make the effort to reconnect and then
turn your "online" friends into "real-world" friends by
meeting up for coffee instead of chatting on Facebook or Twitter.
Ø Connect with your alumni association. Many colleges have alumni associations
that meet regularly. You already have the college experience in common; talking
about old times can be an easy conversation starter. Some associations also
sponsor community service events or workshops where you can meet more people.
Ø Carpool to work. Many companies offer carpool programs.
If your employer doesn't, simply ask your colleagues if they would like to
share rides. It's a good conversation starter and will help you connect to
people who live near you, as well as save on transport costs.
Ø Attend art gallery openings, book readings,
lectures, music recitals, or
other community events where you can meet people with similar interests. Check
with your library or local paper for events near you.
How To Make Friends tip 3
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