How to Make Friends

Friendship is for many people a rare gift. When you are young and going to school, it seems that with so many people around, the prospect of friendship is everywhere around you. Yet, for some, even these "ideal" circumstances are anything but that.

Some are outsiders based on choice, but others are just catapulted into this role, either based on looks, or clothes, or money, or whatever. You might envy some pretty girl who seems to be famous and have it all, but look again, or listen closely and you might discover that all these boys that she calls friends are actually just in love with her. She might in fact be in dire need of a real friend and never have the chance to find one. Maybe..

The other problem comes up when you are an adult and that real life you heard so much about takes its toll..

People Connecting with People
Optimism
Treating Others
Or Simply Be Impressive
Making Friends Online

People Connecting with People

Shared interests do connect. If there is something you always wanted to learn, but never quite got around to, now is the perfect time to start! Take up a long lost hobby or start a new one. It can be anything, as long as it's outgoing. Collecting stamps, for instance, doesn't qualify.

How about taking a pottery class, or a Yoga class, or if you are female, learn to belly dance (it's great for the spine!). Take dance lessons, learn a new instrument, join a book club, or learn a new language. If you are well off financially, maybe you can volunteer to help those who aren't. Find an organization that seems to be doing good work and join them. Don't just give them a cheque, give them your time instead.

Whatever you choose will be fine.. What matters is that you take that step towards others.

Optimism

"Smile and the smile you send out will come back to you."

Indian wisdom

It might not always be the person you smiled at that returns your smile, but eventually, that smile always makes its way back to you. Optimism works like a charm. It's a magnet really. Optimistic people are often perceived as stronger and people feel more attracted to them. Keep in mind that optimism isn't something that can be acted. You either are an optimist, or you aren't. If you aren't, well change that! It is doable.
"Always look at the bright side of life"...

Treating Others

Treat others how you want to be treated. If you think surprises are great, surprise someone. If you like gifts, get someone else a gift. If you need a listener, try listening to others. Acts of selflessness can produce regular miracles!

The problem is that people often treat others correspondingly to how they feel about themselves, deep down inside. If you are having problems treating others with respect and with joy, then better find out why that is so. The answer to that question could help you figure out much more than just how to make friends.

Or Simply Be Impressive

"Making friends is easy. You do something impressive and then the other kids say:
"Wow.. I want to be your friend!"

Christopher, 7 years

I wouldn't have thought of this one myself, though it is pretty obvious. So, if being active, optimistic and selfless doesn't work for you, then you always have this option as well. Simply do something incredibly impressive and you will have your pick of friends!
If not friends, then at least fans, and that's something too..

Making Friends Online

This should be your last resort.. but if nothing else worked, you can find like minded people online as well. At least make sure you find people who live nearby, so you have a better chance of meeting them in person, after you've met and evaluated them online.

The internet is swamped with social networks and websites for meeting people. You should find one that corresponds to your nature and feels right to you. Ba careful not to fall into any web-traps, and definitely first try the free options (which most are anyway).

Here are a few websites to get you started on your quest for online friendship:

Facebook
Facebook helps you connect and share with the people in your life.
StumbleUpon
It's a social bookmarks website, so meeting friends is not is primary focus, but maybe that's why it's better than some other places. You can fairly easily find like minded people, and you can also sort them by country.
Habbo
A virtual online world in which you can meet people and play games. Mainly for teenagers.
InterPals
They say it's a pen pal site that works. The site's design is kind of cheesy, but it seems to be very active none the less.