As a child, there were few things easier than making a new friend. If you’re on the playground or in class, there are dozens and dozens of people just like you that are waiting to befriend you. A small conversation or game and bam, you guys are friends. However, as we get older, making friends becomes a much harder task and here’s hoping I can help you out with these five tips.
1. Be more Approachable and Positive
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If you come off as an unapproachable and negative looking person, the chances of anyone coming up to you and trying to start a conversation are slim to none. Problem is, not many people that come off as negative/unapproachable even know that they are that way. A good approach to better your chances at people coming up and talking to you is simply by smiling more, trying not to frown and having an open body language.
2. Social Media is Your Friend
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In today’s day and age with the vast number of social media sites out there to connect on like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more, there are more ways than ever to make new friends. While most people will elect to try and make friends the traditional way, there are many a stories out there of individuals meeting people via social media who actually go on to become pretty good friends.
3. Volunteer
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This is a fantastic way to meet new people and make new friends. Not only do you and the people you are with have common interests in helping others, but you also have a natural progression in the conversation due to the fact there is likely a reason you guys are volunteering there. So not only are you helping out in the world by volunteering your time, but you are also subjected to other, like-minded people who could potentially become your very good friends.
4. Use an App or Online Service
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Again we come to another option that was never a possibility even a quarter century ago. Rather than walking around the street aimlessly hoping to run into like-minded people who you can turn into friends, there are a number of different apps, services and websites out there that are dedicated simply to connecting people who want to make some new and awesome friends. And if the success of online dating is any indication, this could really be a great and successful option for making new friends as an adult.
5. Simply Get Out More
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This is the classic and tried and true method, but it is still among the best ways to meet new people and craft new friendships in 2016. By just putting yourself out in the world more in any way possible, you greatly increase the chances of meeting new friends. Whether it is going to the mall, grocery shopping, fitness classes, events around town, there is a great chance you will meet a few different people that could work out as potential friend.
