In this post, we will learn how to make friends and influence people.
Supportive and close friends are the most important things in one’s life. Many people will come in and out of your life, but only true friendships will remain in your heart.
It can be difficult to find new adult friends, but as COVID restrictions are lifted, we all crave social connections more than ever. This creates an opportunity to make new friends.
7 Tips On How To Make Friends
We spoke with top mental health professionals and therapists to learn the best ways to build lasting friendships. These are their top tips to win friends and influence people.
1. Recognize that your fear is in you
First, you need to have a positive mental image about meeting new people. Many people view meeting new people as scary. Making a good impression, making sure the other person likes us, keeping the conversation going, and so forth are all things we worry about.
It seems more frightening the more we think about it. The initial fear can turn into a mental fear that takes over and prevents us from making new friends. Fear can lead to shyness towards others.
All of these fears are only in our heads. You have to remember that 99% of people are too concerned about these things to pay attention. While you are worried about your impression, they are worried about what you will think.
They are as afraid as you are. The remaining 1% recognizes that relationships are built on stronger values than the specific words/actions shared in one encounter. Are you willing to make friends with people who judge you based on what you say or do? I don’t think so.
2. Begin small with people you already know
This is another great tip on how to make friends. It can be daunting to meet new people if you don’t socialize often. Start small if you aren’t used to socializing much. Begin with people you know. This will make the task easier. Here are some ways to do it:
Get in touch with acquaintances. Are there any friends that you have lost touch with? Drop a message and say hello. When they are available, ask for a meetup. Look for opportunities to connect.
Find cliques that you can join. Cliques are groups of friends that have been established. It’s not about breaking into a clique but rather about making new friends. Cliques are a group of people who have already formed a group. You can observe the dynamics and be a part of the conversation, but you won’t be able to break into the clique.
Learn to get to know your friends’ friends. You can either join them on their outings or ask your friend to introduce yourself to them. You will likely feel comfortable with your friends if you’re comfortable with them.
Accept invitations to go out. My friends aren’t often out. They will often decline invitations to go out because they prefer to stay home. Their social circle is small as a result. You have to get out of your comfort zone more often if you want to make more friends. If you remain at home, it’s impossible to make friends in real life.
3. Join a group
A natural group is a place where people have similar interests and are connected automatically. This is the best way to make friends. You can always find another group to join if these situations are not possible. For example, get a dog or join a Facebook group for friends.
You can also take a hobby more seriously. Making friends in a group has the added benefit of having something in common with them. You can also strengthen your friendships with multiple people at once, which is very helpful for those with limited time. This is crucial because many people find that lack of time can be a barrier to friendship building and maintaining.
4. Be real
You need to be clear about what you are passionate about. You have a better chance of finding people who share your interests if you are passionate about hobbies and other activities.
You can find a local lecture on modern literature at your local library or sign up to take a pottery / art / music class. Every event offers the chance to meet like-minded friends.
Volunteer your talents to a non-profit that interests you, or download any app for nearby people with similar interests. If you don’t see the group you are looking for; you might consider starting one. You could make lifelong connections by being vulnerable.
5. Get up close and personal
It takes time to build a strong connection. According to a 2018 study, it took two hundred hours to make close connections. If you are just getting to know someone, talking about more than the weather is a good idea. Start to reveal something about yourself and see if your friend does the same.
6. Get to know the person
Friendship is about you and the other person. Learn to get to know the person you want to be friends with. These are some questions you might want to ask:
- What is he/she doing?
- What are his/her hobbies and interests?
- What have they been doing lately?
- What are his/her future priorities/goals?
- What is he/she most passionate about?
- What are his/her core values?
- What drives him/her?
- What are their passions? Goals? Dreams?
7. Be genuine
Sometimes we get too focused on our own concerns, such as how others view us, what we should be saying next, and our next actions. This can lead to us missing the point of friendship.
While you can improve your presentation skills, such as how you present yourself, what you say and how you speak, don’t obsess over them. These are not the things that define friendship. The friendship is defined by the relationship between the friend and you.
Everyone you meet should feel loved, supported, and respected. Don’t feel pressured to do things. Take care of them as you would your own. You will attract others who are open to a genuine friendship. Your future true friends will be among them.
The takeaway
Sometimes, friendship happens by chance. We bond over our mutual love for dancing and dogs and the next thing you know, we are meeting up regularly.
Sometimes it’s easier, but sometimes it’s more difficult. We feel like the only one at the party without any partner in crime. I hope this guide on how to make friends help you.
No matter what the circumstance, it is important to not let down and keep going regardless. You can make friends in any situation with enough self-confidence and flexibility. And you can keep them for the rest of your life. I hope you like our article on ‘How to make friends’ and hope you will learn some tips to implement in real life.
Also, Read
How To Stop Hating Yourself | Self-Hatred and How To Overcome It?
17 Tips To Fix A Broken Relationship: How To Fix A Broken Relationship?
What is Anxiety Disorder? Types, Symptoms, Causes, & Risk Factors
Psychology of Successful Students | 18 Tips To Become A Successful Student
