When we are little kids, we never seemed to have problems making friends. And while we still remember how important friendship is as we grow older, we tend to forget how to find new ones and retain the ones we already have. Here are some tips from The Best You to do just that…
How to Make Friends
- Seems obvious but, stop watching TV, turn off the computer and GO OUT.
- Spend more time around people. If you want to make friends, you first need to put yourself out there somehow in order to meet people.
- Join an organization or club with people who have common interests.
- Laugh. People want to be around funny people, don’t take life too seriously.
- Talk to people. You can join a club, go to school, or go to church but you still won’t make friends if you don’t actually talk to people.
- Make eye contact and smile. If you have an unfriendly face, people are less likely to be receptive to your friendship.
- Give a compliment. Everyone loves an ego boost. Noticing something you like about someone and sharing it with him or her is a great way to forge a connection and start a conversation.
- Make small talk. Keep the conversation light and cheery.
How to Keep Friends
- First thing is make time. You can’t make or have friends without time.
- You won’t regret the time you spend at work or cooking or cleaning but you will regret not spending time with you friends.
- Interact – Call – Meet. Text messaging or Skype (unless your friend lives overseas doesn’t really count).
- Have a positive attitude. All people want to be friends with people who can make life bearable not the opposite.
- Be fun. Friendship is mainly about having fun, relaxing and taking it easy.
- Be a good listener. It’s not necessarily about being very interesting. It’s more important to show that you care, that you’re interested in others.
- Know the right time to do things.
- Be loyal, kind but truthful and reliable.
- Be present in difficult times when your friends need you be there.
- Be a good friend!
