Watch children on a playground and you see friend-making on display and in full effect. The entry point might be as simple as one kid asking another: “Do you wanna be my friend?”
In the blink of an eye, friendship, and all of its joys, are born.
Unfortunately, if we fast-forward a decade or two, those same kids have become adults, wondering where their social life has gone. Contemplating what the grown-up version of “do you wanna be my friend?” sounds like.
Yet, though friendlessness is a common complaint of many adults, it is not an inevitable relationship destination.
We all have responsibilities and obligations, of course. But societal pressure to focus elsewhere can negatively impact your perception of your relational needs. Perhaps, you just help to prioritize and practice friendship again.
The fact is, we are social creatures and friends are indispensable. So, let’s explore the benefits and mechanics of expanding your social circle.
The Benefits of Having Friends
Research shows that having meaningful friendships provides a wide range of physical benefits, for example:
- Reduced stress, tension, and anxiety
- Increased longevity
- Better overall immune functioning, e.g. lower incidences of getting sick and faster recovery when you do
More abstractly, having trusted friends offers incredible emotional and social benefits. These may include:
- Improved social skills
- Having someone to speak honestly and plainly with you
- Support when you’re down
- Sharing in your joy when you’re up
All of the above is true whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. It’s not about how many friends you have. The focus here is on the quality and depth of your connection.
So, how can you make this happen?
10 Fun, Everyday Ways to Make New Friends (and Keep Them)
1. Remain Open
Your future friends do not have to be limited to those who line up with you in terms of age, nationality, gender, and so on. Challenge yourself to stay open to meeting new connections across the broad spectrums of humanity.
2. Say “Yes” to Invitations
Simply put, you drastically increase your odds of making friends. When you put yourself in a position to do so, you very likely will.
3. Try Something New
This is a parallel track to the aforementioned tip of saying “yes”. What can you do to try new things and surround yourself with people also trying new things? A few suggestions:
- Join a gym and take classes at the gym
- Become part of a book club
- Take an art or dancing or writing or whatever class
- Play on a sports team
This can even start with an online group, expand your horizons as you develop more comfort and confidence.
4. Make Good Use of Your Social Media Accounts
After all, the word “social” is baked into it. Plenty of people leverage their accounts to make more real-world friends. Try it!
5. Connect With Co-Workers
Of course, each workplace situation is different. However, you automatically have one big thing in common to talk about. Initiate conversations about work and gradually find out other ways your interests may intersect.
6. Connect With Neighbors
Do you have a potential friend living right next door? A neighborly treat could initiate a new connection.
7. If You’re a Parent, Connect With Other Parents
The opportunities here abound. Raising a child puts you in the position to meet a wide range of new people. Your initial links are proximity and parenthood. Why not find out what else you can bond over?
8. Be Open to Getting “Set Up”
Ask friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors to keep you in mind for social hangouts. Allow yourself to be “matched up” with potential kindred spirits.
9. Host a Party or Dinner or BBQ or Sporting Event
Invite friends and encourage them to bring people you don’t know.
10. Get Involved in Good Causes
Try volunteering. How powerful it is to encounter new people who are also looking to help those in need! It’s a win for everyone involved.
Take the Next Step
You may not do it literally anymore but remember: You can continue asking (in your own way): “Do you wanna be my friend?” There are more people than you know just hoping someone will reach out to them.
Want more ideas or guidance regarding new connections? Please read more about relationship counseling and contact me soon for a consultation.
