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How can I make new friends?

12 Answers
Last Updated: 03/28/2022 at 7:11am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Lisa Groesz, PhD

Psychologist

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Top Rated Answers
Ethan
April 4th, 2018 4:19pm
A great way to make friends is to do go out and try something new! You could join a book club, or take part in a sport, or go to the gym, or visit a museum. As long as you get out and about! By doing something you enjoy, you’re likely to meet similar minded people and so it will be a lot easier to befriend them. Another tip is to skip the small talk and go straight to deep and intimate details - I don’t mean anything private, but instead questions that real reveal someone’s personality - ‘If you could wake up tomorrow with a super power or special ability, what would it be and what would you do with it?’ It’s great to smile when you’re around other people. It makes you seem more friendly and approachable. It’s a strong way to make strong connections, and people with view you as a kind and positive person to be around. Persistence is also key; once you’ve had an outing with one of your new buddies from the local cooking club, or from your new basketball team, try text messaging them asking if they want to go out for lunch, or for a coffee sometime next week. During this time out, try some more ‘intimate’ questions to strengthen your friendship. Once you’re home, message them saying you had a good time and really enjoyed it. This will make them feel validated and good about themselves as you enjoyed their company. Broaden your options - Don’t just stick to one circle or similar aged people that are all in the same dance group as you. Try out a new hobby that you like, too! Meet older or younger people, with other interests. The besy way to make more friends is to open your options. And finally, don’t take anything too personally. If you asked your new buddy out for a coffee and they said no, that doesn’t mean they don’t like you. It could mean they’re busy with work, or already had plans, or perhaps their family needs them. Just try again next week, or with someone else. Goodluck! :)
AngelicPenguin
July 3rd, 2018 8:39pm
Sometimes making new friends is very difficult. If you do have the opportunity, going to new places leads to meeting new people and meeting new people after that. However sometimes I guess it takes time to find a good friend. :) Just be friendly
gentleSun78
March 18th, 2019 8:55pm
If it is possible let's consider joining a hobby you will be pursuing together with other people. There exist very huge potential to meet and make new friends. You can also consider attending them regularly and taking some extra time as before and after the event you might be hanging out and having fun time together. If you are student you can make new friends in student campus and other venues where students gather. It can be really fun and socializing. I also reccomend that you are nice and pro social and don't hurry when you are among people if you wish to get a friend there.
Anonymous
June 30th, 2019 6:40am
I volunteer in my local community. I volunteer at public events with my local council, and I also joined my local Lions Club. Some great people there who are service and community minded and who appreciate a bit of help to raise funds, hold a BBQ, or work on local projects. I’m looking for ways to make some enduring friendships, but as they say, the journey of 1000 miles starts with just one step. I’m choosing to take steps - just small ones, but they take me closer to my goal. My nana also used to say that to have a friend, you need to be a friend. Sage words.
Anonymous
April 23rd, 2018 1:35pm
Talk about each other's interests Find Common Interests Hang out with each other Plan different activities
fruityStar57
May 1st, 2018 7:00pm
Start by placing yourself in situations where you can meet new people you have not met before. Join a club or start a hobby, for instance.
Anonymous
June 19th, 2018 8:09am
To make new friends you need to start talking to new people. Either that be online or in person is up to you, it works both ways. Try bringing up small talk like favorite music and hobbies and go from that. Make sure the conversation feels comfortable at all times.
Bosslady9601
June 18th, 2019 11:29pm
First I'd do some research.. I'd find out some more about a popular TV show or a video game or a sports event. Because talking about common topics are excellent ice breakers. Once I find someone with common in treat i'd listen to them. Listening is the key to make great friendships because people like to be heard also that gives you a chance of getting to know your new friend better. Next set up some activities you could do together. Either grab a bite to eat together every now and then or maybe make a science project. Learning to work together build trust and great partner ship. The last but not least is time. Always remember "patience is a virtue" the longer you know someone the best friends you will be with them for life.
Anonymous
July 9th, 2019 9:59pm
I'd love to know the answer to this question myself. Every time I look up how to meet people, I hear the same answers. Church. Gym. Volunteer. Bar. The bar scene is out for me because I don't drink. But I will say this to you even as I need to say it to myself. You can make friends anywhere. The grocery store. The mall. Your neighborhood. Goodwill. You just need to strike up a conversation. Ask for directions. Recommend an item or service. Share a coupon. Ask for advice. Connections aren't made from surface-level conversations, but they can be started. I thought I had to be somewhere special to meet someone. In fact, you can be anywhere, but you have to be present, ask for their name, and if you like them, ask them if you can meet them again someday. Be direct and specific. A generic "Maybe we can go grab coffee sometime" will never happen, believe me. Pick a date and a time and stick to it. But first, and foremost, be your own friend. Find value in yourself. That way, others will see the value in you too!
Anonymous
August 3rd, 2020 6:53pm
Smile at everyone, you never know what door that smile will open. Many people will feel just as shy as you feel, sometimes a small courageous 'Hi' starts a lifelong friendship. You will not like everyone you meet and not everyone will like you, but that is okay and at least they will know who you are. Never try to invisible, let people know you, so good people can reach you. People are attracted to open and confident smiling people because they want to be welcomed. Usually, someone who does not smile gives off judgmental and dismissive vibes, so avoid doing that. Smiling is an act of charity, it is needed by others.
Anonymous
October 6th, 2020 11:12pm
Make yourself available. If you want to make friends, you first need to put yourself out there somehow in order to meet people.[1] If you just sit alone, friends might come to you, but that's not likely. For example, if you're still in school, sit somewhere with other people. It doesn't have to be a crowded table, but try to choose one with at least 2 other people. Join an organization or club to meet new people. This is a great way to find other people who have common interests. You don't necessarily need to have a lot of common interests with people in order to make friends with them. Some of the most rewarding friendships are between 2 people who don't have much in common at all. However, if you like a specific topic, try searching for a location where you can meet people who share that interest. Volunteer for a cause you care about. Volunteering is also a good way for people of all ages to meet others. By working together, you build bonds with people. You may also meet others who have a passion for changing things the way you do (a common cause). Try connecting with people you already know. Chances are, you already know a few people who could potentially become good friends. Consider trying to get to know your co-workers, classmates, or even people in your social media network. Look for opportunities to talk to people. You can join a club, go to school, or go to church, but you still won't make friends if you don't actually talk to people. By the same token, you don't have to be involved with an organization to be social. Any time you talk to someone, you have a chance at making a lasting friend. Don’t worry about saying anything special—just open a conversation by saying something friendly (like “Isn’t it a gorgeous day?” or “That is an awesome shirt!”) and see where it goes from there!
DrSpookyGriver
March 28th, 2022 7:11am
Making new friend is a skill you learn from your birth upto your death and keeping friends as a friend is even a tougher task. For making new friend the first thing is required to have confidence in itself talking to break the ice and mix with him/her. You can use the sub communication if you want them to approach you but I suggest you to break the ice because it reflects your confidence. Show them similarities which lies in you indeed. Show them how important you are for them and for the world as your existance is worth in this world and most importantly help each other with no dark desire in your mind. Keeping a friendship and maintaining it is a different concept in which you have to observe your friend behaviour time to time under many of your actions and conversation which teaches you what he/she prefers and what not. As I mentioned it's a different concept so we can about about it on the question. Best of luck in your journey to make friend. Having a smile on your face all the time is almost impossible without having them.