Many find it difficult to make friends. But it isn't! You just have to get out of your shell and remember that if you love yourself, others will too. Especially if you are a teenager, making friends can be difficult or easy depending on several factors.
Steps
Step 1. Relax
It's about having self-confidence - if you are nervous or try too hard to sound calm, you will look weird and not make friends. You have to act like you've always had a lot of friends in the past, so even the most "popular" ones will want to talk to you. You have to think about the good reasons why someone would want to meet you, think about your virtues. Then relax, people like you if you give off a peaceful energy.
Step 2. Make the first move
Don't be shy, it won't do any good. Look around and find someone interesting, then relax and go talk to them. Say hello, introduce yourself if you don't already know each other, ask how he's doing and make friends. If you already know something about the other, for example you know that they like creative activities, you can talk about that. A good topic to talk about is music, because almost everyone likes it, you can ask what kind of music they listen to and start a good conversation, you might even find things in common. Sitting shyly in a corner keeps you at a distance from anyone. Become more outgoing. Other topics can be cinema or sport. Try not to go too deep when you meet someone for the first time. Forget about topics like politics, religion, relationship problems, personal dramas, etc.
Step 3. Be nice
How can you please others if you are not nice? Smile and look for something in common between you and the person you're trying to make friends with. You will feel more comfortable if you discover that the other person has things in common with you.
Step 4. Become a good listener
Pay attention to what others say, look straight in the eye and show that you pay attention. You nod, show agreement, show that you find what you listen to interesting. It is important to be a good listener, because if others feel listened to, they will be more willing to be around you.
Step 5. Be yourself
I know you've heard this many times before, but nobody really likes a fake person - everyone prefers a real person for his virtues. For example, if you have had a "thug life" and a difficult life, you can be a gangster with ease. But if you try to pretend to be a certain way or to be tougher than you really are, you should stop. Be yourself, express what you think, this way others will be happier to be with you and will be comfortable if you don't try to deceive them or change too quickly (be false, try to change who you are in no time). Be yourself and you will attract people who like you for who you are. If you don't like yourself, then it's time to be different. Be natural, the way you naturally be… You were brought into the world for some reason and you have to show it to others.
Step 6. Develop friendship
If one day you decide to talk to someone and don't keep doing it often, very soon that person will forget about you. It's best to take time to greet someone every day and ask how they're doing. Make the other person's name very often, for example every 3-5 sentences, unless it seems too strange. When you say hello, try to say: “Hi Alex!”, “What are you doing, Sarah?”, “How are you, Miranda?”. If you do this every day, others will be happy that you remember them, so they won't forget you and you will become good friends.
Step 7. Include friends in your social life
Invite them to go out together, to the mall or for a walk. You should have fun together, this way you can introduce your new friends to old ones and build a social circle, with people who accept each other.
Advice
- Don't try too hard, just relax and be yourself, others will like you.
- You smile! People are attracted to those who are happy and positive!
- Get the phone number and e-mail address of your new friend and provide your details; keep in touch.
- Have fun with your new friends; but don't forget the old ones.
- Stop thinking you're not cool enough to talk to them. They will have good reasons for wanting to talk to you after they meet you - think about your virtues!
- Maintain eye contact.
Warnings
- Take some time to make sure they are true friends, not people who spread secrets or things that can embarrass you or that attract unwanted attention towards you.
- Remember that not everyone is true friends! So watch your back and don't trust everyone you meet.
- Be friendly, but not too friendly. Not all people are nice, and some may try to take advantage of you. Don't be afraid to be firm, don't pity the same person for too long. It could indicate that this person is trying to make you addicted.
- Don't spread gossip. They could cause the end of a friendship and make others think that you are an idiot.
- Don't try too hard to impress a certain group just because it's very popular - it's much better to know people for who they are, not what they have.
- Proceed calmly; friendships are usually not made overnight.
- Don't go to someone and start telling all your problems. Some will think it's weird. Give enough information to be contacted and to be considered as a friend.
- If a friendship doesn't work, don't be afraid to start a new one. Over time you should try to get involved in a beautiful friendship. If you can't, keep trying.
- With friends, quality is more important than quantity. Having a good friend or two is usually enough.
