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5 Tips to Make New Friends

By Bridget
14 July 2016   |   5:10 pm
A good number of the world’s population is comprised of introverts. When it comes to making friends, a lot of people don’t go out of their ways to make friends; on the other hand, the reverse is the case for others. In certain cases, it is a natural phenomenon, people just gravitates to their personality.…

A good number of the world’s population is comprised of introverts. When it comes to making friends, a lot of people don’t go out of their ways to make friends; on the other hand, the reverse is the case for others. In certain cases, it is a natural phenomenon, people just gravitates to their personality. For these folks, that’s their personality type and one of their unique strengths.

If you happen to be an introvert, perhaps you feel left behind in the world of making friends, don’t feel bad, and don’t think something is wrong with you, ‘cos-nothing actually is wrong with you. We are all wired differently, each person unique in their own SHAPE: (Strength-Habit-Abilities-Personality-Experience), except of course, you have some obvious anti-social habits. The acronyms in the word ‘SHAPE’ make up who we individually are and every one of us is unique in our own very SHAPE.

Meanwhile, just so you know, sometimes, even extroverts have problems making friends. Here are a few tips to make the first step easier, and how to make new meaningful connections.

5 Tips to Make New Friends

  1. Know what kind of friends you need

What we look out for before making our friends differ individually. Before you start interacting with strangers, take a moment to determine what you need in a friend and why you actually need new friends. Is it because you feel lonely and need someone to talk to, or you need a party friend to go out to a club with? Or you want someone whom you can look up to intellectual wise, determine this first before you bother getting a friend. This is the key step-as this will determine where to look for in your new quest.

Find people with common interests

This is one easy way to make your search for new friendship easier. What are your hobbies, (football, game, reading, travelling, cooking, movies…?) You will likely find your type of friend if you look in the right places. Platforms such as Meetup.com – it is a place filled with like-minded people who are always looking to expand their circle; it will be good to check that out.

5 Tips to Make New Friends

  1. Be around people who have a lot of friends

You can make so many new friends from whom you easily get along with. Find a friend of yours who have ample friends and let him or her open the windows for more for you. Those social connectors at your school, church, work etc. are a good place to start.

5 Tips to Make New Friends

  1. Join social networks

Social networks are a great tool not only to know what your friends are doing but also to make new ones. That’s the best tool for making new friends, in my own opinion. WhatsApp, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram, Twitter, and others are a good place to look into, in doing this, you suddenly realise there are many people out there, who share similar interests and likes with you.

  1. Keep in touch

It may not have occurred to you, but an easy way to make friends with someone is by always keeping in touch with the said person. In other words; you call to check up on how their days went, your avail them your time when they are celebrating one thing or the other, you visit, or even buy them gifts. These are just simple easy ways to keep in touch-and before long, this person starts to value your efforts and reciprocate same.  So don’t abandon your acquaintances after first contact. Take an initiative towards planning the next meeting. You can even communicate with the person, what they’re up to. Just avoid being pushy and allow the relationship to evolve at its own pace.

These are just a few tips that I think will help you find new friends. Feel free to add your suggestions and share your experiences with us. Yes, it could take time but it will definitely be worth your while, so goodluck!

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