Even though you come in contact with other people every day, the idea of making new friends seems like an impossible task. It seems impossible because people can appear intimidating. Well, it isn’t as impossible as you may think. Making new friends is actually pretty natural. But, if you’re having trouble stepping out there, here are a few easy ways to make new friends, and who knows, maybe even a best friend.
Join a Club to Make New Friends
In middle school and high school, there are all kinds of clubs that you can join depending on your interest. What better way to find a new friend than by connecting with someone who shares the same passion? By joining a club, you’re setting yourself up for two things: One, enjoying something that you like to do in a safe environment. Two, because you’re doing what you love, you’ll more naturally be who God made you to be. By being your natural self, you’ll exude confidence and be less intimidated to meet new people. It’s a win-win scenario.
Meet New Friends When You Play a Sport
Clubs aren’t your forte? Try playing a sport! Much like joining a club, you’re doing something with others who enjoy the same thing as you. With playing sports, you’re going to be placed in an environment where teamwork is key to playing, enjoying and winning the game. This means that you’ll have to get along with your teammates. Why not try to be friends with them on a deeper level than just playing the game? Connect with teammates outside of practice to really see new friendships blossom.
Meet Your Friends’ Friends
Maybe you don’t have time for sports or another club, but you still want to make new friends. A classic way of making new friends without going outside your comfort zone is meeting other friends of your friends. If you and your friend are going out to lunch, have her invite some of her other friends and make it a group outing. The benefit of meeting one of your friends’ friends is you both share a common friend. Not only will breaking the ice be easier, but you already know that these new people are good company if you both have a mutual friend.
Look For a Job to Meet Friends
Finding a job is a benefit for you for two reasons: One, it builds your résumé. Two, you form relationships with co-workers. Having a job will not only assist you in expanding your people skills, but you’ll also gain valuable work skills that you’ll need in the future. If you’re too young to work, try volunteering. You’ll connect with people who are likeminded and you’ll gain insight into broader areas of life, making you a more delightful person to get along with as you continue to grow.
Develop a Routine
Establish a routine and you might discover that someone else has the same routine. For example, if you’re in school and you have your second period free, go to the library. You might find that someone else does the same thing. If so, go up to them and ask if you can sit next to or across from them. Spark up a conversation asking what they’re working on, or what class they’re studying for, and introduce yourself (in a whisper of coarse). Even if the conversation goes nowhere, you have already created a small connection that might develop as you continue to see this person day after day.
How to Make New Friends
These are five simple ways that you can meet new people who may become a significant part of your life. Now, what if your current group of friends disapproves of you making new friends outside of your friend circle? It’s safe to say that this does happen sometimes, but it shouldn’t be a concern. If your main group of friends judges you for making friends outside of that group, chances are they aren’t good company. Making friends outside of your friend group is healthy for you. It helps you develop relationships that you wouldn’t normally build, which improves your people skills, makes you a well-rounded person and may even help you become a more compassionate individual. Throughout life, you’re going to work with people in groups that you typically wouldn’t ever pick to connect with. By becoming friends with new people at a younger age, you’re setting yourself up for success in future situations. Making new friends diversifies your character and expands how you see the world, and those are traits that are invaluable.
