Everyone needs friends. You agree, don't you? Befriending someone can be a satisfying experience. You get to know new people with whom you can share your experiences, have fun with, and, hopefully, become friends for years to come. However, finding someone suitable to be friends with, and then making a real friendship, is not as easy as one might think, regardless of whether that person is a complete stranger to you or you already know even though you are not familiar.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Finding Friends as Adults
Step 1. Find and join groups engaged in activities you enjoy
Doing something you enjoy is more likely to put you in contact with people who share your interests. Shared interests will pave the way for you to get to know someone because you have interesting things to talk about.
Step 2. Join a charitable organization as a volunteer
If you are willing to put your time into a good cause, you can also make new friends for your time.
Doing some kind of volunteer work can attract people who have something in common with you. If you have children, you can volunteer to coach one of their teams. That way, you can get to know the parents of other kids your age. If you are a religious person, consider volunteering at a religious institution. This will lead you to meet other people who also prioritize religion in their lives
Step 3. Make friends with your neighbors or coworkers
You really don't have to go far to find new friends. You can get it in your neighborhood.
- Do you always run into the same neighbors outside their house while they are working in the yard or playing with their children? Try to strike up a conversation with them wondering if you'd like to hang out with them. If so, invite them over for coffee or something at your house. Make the invitation sound very casual but take it seriously.
- Take the time to get to know your coworkers. Perhaps one of them is quite fun and can be invited to relax outside of work hours.
Method 2 of 4: Finding Friends as Children
Step 1. Show a friendly attitude to the children at school or in your neighborhood
Don't be afraid to say hello to a child you don't really know. They won't necessarily be your friends, but it can't hurt to try.
Ask for information about themselves, such as what their favorite game is or what their favorite subject is at school
Step 2. Play with the new child on the playing field
Ask if you can join in on an ongoing game or if you can organize a game yourself with the various children there.
If you meet a new kid who likes games or does something different to what you're used to, don't be afraid to try something new and just play with them. You may find new friends as well as discover new activities that you enjoy
Step 3. Join a sports team or an out-of-school club
There are usually a variety of activities to choose from, so just pick one that you think you enjoy.
- Your school isn't the only place to find fun after school or where you can make new friends. Look for a local community center or some kind of youth organization that offers a variety of programs for boys and girls.
- Remember that you don't have to be a master at the sport or activity you choose. Part of joining a team or class is that you will improve your skills, no matter what level you start at.
Method 3 of 4: Making Friends with Strangers
Step 1. Show a pleasant nature
A smile will bring success if you're trying to make friends while waiting in line at the supermarket or playing with your dog at the playground. This will be a sign to strangers that you are a fun person and that you are friendly and approachable.
Step 2. Greet them in a friendly manner
Say hello to potential friends. Ask them if they had a great day or some other ice breaker.
Step 3. Ask them to tell you about themselves
It's important to show that you're interested in the person you want to be friends with. Don't just talk about yourself, instead leave some space in the conversation for them to get involved. You can do this by asking them questions and waiting for their answers.
Step 4. Show a confident attitude without appearing arrogant
No one wants to hang out with someone who's totally shy, but you don't have to give the impression of being self-absorbed either. Make sure you maintain a balance between the two.
Step 5. Find common interests
Ask the person what he does in his spare time. Suggest common activities you can do together.
Step 6. Make a concrete plan
Haven't we all said, “We have to do something together,” but that plan never materialized? If you really want to spend time with the person, make concrete plans to get together and have fun. If you have a plan, your chances of actually spending time together are even greater.
Step 7. Show your persistence, but take it slowly
You need to show a commitment to making a new friendship, because people lead busy and busy lives so they don't always welcome new friends with open arms, but don't give up too easily. If someone you want to be friends with cancels plans or doesn't respond to your phone or email right away, don't give up. Give them a few chances before you pull away.
Step 8. Expect that the person you want to be friends with will make an effort too
Friendship is not a one-way street. Even though the choice to take the step towards a lasting friendship is yours, it doesn't mean you have to do it all alone.
Sometimes you want to be friends with someone but he or she doesn't show the sincerity to keep the relationship going. One of the greatest benefits to be gained from friendship is having the feeling that someone likes and cares about you and that you reciprocate those feelings. If you don't get it, maybe you should withdraw from the friendship. Find someone else who will offer you the kind of friendship you deserve
Method 4 of 4: Befriending Coworkers
Step 1. Find someone to work with at work
Unless you're working alone, there are usually plenty of opportunities to build lasting relationships at work with a wide variety of people.
- You may like or feel comfortable with certain people at work. In normal day-to-day interactions there may be some people with whom you feel "fit". They have the potential to be friends.
- While you may not be able to build a relationship with every one of your coworkers, it's important that you form a friendship with someone where you spend most of your waking hours.
Step 2. Don't forget to be friendly and pleasant
In order for you to befriend someone at work, you have to make them feel comfortable around you. Although work can be stressful at times, make sure you always give the impression that you are easy to talk to and friendly even during difficult conversations.
Step 3. Show the attitude that you are ready to accept the conversation
During breaks use your time to gather with your coworkers, don't just be alone. While you may not necessarily enjoy every conversation that happens, you will find out who you find fun to have fun with and who you don't.
Step 4. Remember the things people like and don't like
Try to get to know the interests and hobbies of the person you want to be friends with. You may be surprised to find that you have the same interests or hobbies as someone at your workplace.
Step 5. Spend time with the people you want to be friends with
Friendship is not something that can be built in one day, it takes time and commitment from both parties involved, just like any other relationship. If you want to build friendships with coworkers, you need to spend time with them outside of the workplace. Build your friendship on shared interests and fun activities, not just the closeness of working hours together.
