8 Ways to Make New Friends
If you’re looking to expand your social life, you’ll need to get out and meet new people. But that can be easier said than done. You may see people every day, but never find an opportunity to get talking to them. Here are eight ways to break that cycle and build new friendships. Pick and choose, or try them all, and see your social life blossom!
1. Through classes, groups and sports
Join a local interest group, such as one for gardeners, ancestry tracers, birdwatchers or amateur writers. If you like the idea of learning a new skill, sign up for an art or craft course, or to improve your mind, classes in an academic subject. If you’re an active person, you might prefer a rock-climbing group, a rowing club or a sports team, or if music is your passion, join a choir. Whichever group you join, there’ll be refreshment breaks and plenty of other opportunities for mixing.
2. Through voluntary work
Every community welcomes support for their projects. If you enjoy team work and the camaraderie that comes with it, you’ll be in your element volunteering for a local charity or cause. There may be physical work to join in or paperwork to help with, but whatever’s involved, there’s sure to be a friendly atmosphere.
3. Through a part-time job
If you have time on your hands, how about taking a part-time job and making money as well as friends? Apply for positions where you’d be working in a team, so you can get to know your colleagues and build friendships as you work. Join in the social gatherings and parties for extra fun.
4. By rebuilding old friendships
The Internet has opened up opportunities for tracking down old acquaintances and making contact with them. A scroll down the social media membership lists will probably provide the links you’re looking for. You also may find your friends via searches related to their careers, interests or addresses, or via their partners’ details. Send them a message, asking how they’re doing and where they’re living, and when they respond, rebuild your rapport with a little information about yourself and enquiries about them. Once the dialog gets going, suggest a meet-up.
5. By contacting your extended family
Do you have any long-lost cousins? If so, now is the time to look them up. As with old school friends, you’ll probably find them through social media or other online searches. They’re sure to welcome the opportunity to catch up on news and share memories of childhood gatherings. Exchange addresses and arrange a reunion.
6. By getting to know your neighbours
You may be shy of your neighbours, but bear in mind that they may be bashful too, so when you catch each other’s eye over the fence, start up a conversation. The weather makes a handy talking point, if you’re stuck for a subject. Next time you meet, discuss another mutual interest, such as gardening matters or local parking problems. Do your neighbour a good turn to prove you’re trustworthy. Now you can invite them over to your patch for a drink.
7. Through singles groups and holidays
If you’re looking for romance, join your local singles club. You may not find the love of your life there, but you’re sure to make new friends and have a good time. Join in all the social activities and get your social life swinging.
8. Via online dating agencies
If you’re looking for romance, and your singles club can’t provide it, an online dating agency may be worth a try. Agencies are particularly helpful if you’re bashful about making that crucial first move, because they arrange it for you. Many long-term relationships are born this way, but don’t rely on it as your only route to romance. Nothing beats the natural opportunities that crop up in everyday life.
If you’ve already started acting on these suggestions, you’re probably too busy rushing about to read this far. Making new friends involves getting up and moving, but it’s worth the effort — a hundred times over!