Today’s post is a guest article written by Amy Tori.
Enjoy!
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Are you the type of person who struggles to make new friends? Are you worried that this will continue to have a negative impact on your social life? Are you ready to make some changes for the better?
While it may be something you struggle with, there are steps you can take to make new friends in the near future. Sure, you’ll have to change your approach, but it won’t be long before you realize that you are on the right track.
Here are four things you should start doing today:
1. Make Yourself Available
It can be difficult (next to impossible) to make friends if you aren’t out socializing. This is why you need to do whatever it takes to make yourself available to people who could become your friends in the future.
There are many ways of doing so. For example, you can attend church functions where people with the same beliefs as you hang out. Along with this, you should never turn down an invitation to a special event, such as a family member’s dream wedding.
When you make yourself available to others, you’ll soon find that it’s much easier to build relationships.
2. Get Close to Your Coworkers
Even if you don’t get out much, it goes without saying that you probably spend a lot of time at work. This means one thing: You should take the time to get to know your coworkers.
This doesn’t mean you will become close friends with everyone in your office, but there is a good chance that you will connect with a few people.
It doesn’t matter if you are working an internship abroad or have been with your employer for 10+ years, nothing changes the fact that there are people who are more than willing to connect with you. As long as you show your friendly side, everything will come together soon enough.
3. Be Yourself
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to be something you’re not. This often comes into play among people who have found it difficult to make friends in the past.
Don’t make the mistake of acting like somebody you aren’t. You are you and that should be good enough for anyone who wants to be your friend.
Being genuine is the best thing you can do. This will show others your true colors, and there’s nothing more important than that.
4. Leave Your Computer Screen
Many people find it difficult to make friends in today’s day and age because they spend too much time behind the computer screen. Sure, this gives them the opportunity to connect with others on social media, but it doesn’t do anything when it comes to meeting others in a face to face environment.
If you want to make new friends, step out from behind your computer and see what the world has to offer. As noted above, you can meet others at work, at church, and at weddings – and that is just the start.
Don’t Put Pressure on Yourself
Even if you are concerned about your lack of friends, there is no reason to put too much pressure on yourself. You should take a step back, realize that you have plenty of time, and move forward in a way that makes you comfortable.
When you put too much pressure on yourself to make friends, you will soon find that it’s actually working against you. A clear mind and a lack of stress will go a long way in making things easier on you.
Conclusion
There is no denying that you have a lot going on in your life. For example, you may need to fix credit, find a new job, and care for your family. With so much on your plate, it can be a challenge to make new friends.
Regardless of what is going on in your life, there are some basic steps you can take to make new friends in the near future. All you have to do is get in the right frame of mind and take action.
What are your thoughts on these four tips? Do you have any other advice for people who are trying to make new friends? Share your approach to meeting others in the comment section below.
Amy Tori is a women’s rights activist and a graduate from USC.
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