Making new friends is not always easy, and many individuals find situations such as moving to a new neighborhood, job or school, very difficult. There are persons who incline to have a few close friends rather than a lot of casual associates, taking their time to getting to know each individual. On the other hand, other persons find meeting new friends to be a rewarding and life changing experience. The following are a few tactics you can use to help the process of making new friends a bit easier for you.
• Learn to listen to what others are saying. Most persons enjoy the company of those who listen to what they have to say. When involved in a conversation, make eye contact with others and smile at appropriate times.
• Casually introduce yourself throughout the conversation. Gabor advises that you make use of the phrase, “By the way, my name is… What’s yours?” Always follow up this inquiry with a handshake or smile.
• When invited to participate in social events, accept the invitation even if your inclination is to refuse. Become a member of groups whose members share similar interests with you. Becoming friends with persons who share your interests is so much easier than being friends with individuals who don’t.
• When engaged in a conversation, use appropriate body language such as: nodding, smiling, and maintaining eye contact, to let whoever you are talking to know that you are interested in what he/she has to say.
• Everyone was not created to get along with each other; if you come across someone who you constantly disagree with, don’t let this deter you from making other friends. Continue to build your relationships with existing friend and be sure to keep in contact with them. Learn to accept your friends for who they are, and don’t try to change anyone.
• Don’t gossip about one friend to another, as this gives your friends reason to mistrust you. Think about the type of friend you would love to have and be that person. Learn how to share with your friends. Be there for your friends when they need you; this may be while they are going through a divorce, death a family member, job promotion or birth of a child. Do not take like too seriously. Persons enjoy the company of those who can cheer them up and make them laugh.
• Ensure that you get your potential friend’s contact information such as their telephone number and email address and provide them with yours also. Call or email these individuals and invite them out to dinner or just for a cup of coffee. Making new adult friends can be quite challenging, but once you follow these simple guidelines you will have new friends in no time.