This is Part 2 of a 5 part online course. Learn more about the structure, length, and overview of this course.
Five Weeks to Make a New Friend: Part 2
You can't make friends if you're sitting at home all the time. If you're someone that currently has some solitary hobbies, try adding a social element to them. For example, bring a book you're reading to the bookstore in order to be around people, or join a book club so you can chat with a group.
Or, take your laptop to the coffee shop to do your usual surfing, or see if there is a group in your area that gathers for knitting, yoga, or any other hobby you already do. By starting with an activity you're already familiar with, you'll feel more at ease when it comes to talking to new people.
Using the Internet to Meet New Friends
Even if you chat with people online, you'll still need to meet them out somewhere in order to establish a meaningful friendship. However, starting online isn't a bad idea. Many sites allow you to search for events in your area, which is the first step to making new connections.
Some websites to try include:
Ideally, meeting people through new activities will help you more easily make conversation. However, some sites connect you with others looking for friendship, and in these cases you meet someone new for the first time just to see if you'd be a good friend match. (Think online dating but for friendship.)
It's always a good idea to meet someone out at a place like a coffee shop in these instances. Drive yourself, have a cell phone with you, and trust your gut. Being safe is the first priority.
Get Outside Your Comfort Zone
In the quest for new friends, you'll probably have to ramp up your social activity. This can feel wonderful if you're an extrovert, and exhausting if you're an introvert. Do what feels right, but know that in the beginning, feeling a bit overwhelmed is normal when you're trying to develop friendships. Go with it until you make a connection, because once you do you it will probably be easier to maintain the relationship than it was to start it.
Another tip: say yes to invites. How many times do you get invited to lunch or a drink after work, and you skip it because you're tired or just don't like the people who asked you? The thing is, you never know where the next new friend will pop up, so say yes to those situations instead.
Remember, you don't have to change who you are, but you do have to embrace a few new activities and situations in order to find new friends.
Here are some tips that can help you this week:
- Small Talk Ice Breakers for an Event
- Meeting People Through New Activities
- Safety Tips When Meeting New Friends
Continue to Part 3>>
Five Weeks to Develop a New Friendship
Introduction
Part 1: Practice Small Talk
Part 2: Get Sociable
Part 3: Evaluate
Part 4: Ask a Friend Out for Coffee
Part 5: Follow Up
