“Friends are the family we get to choose.”
Making friends or a family for ourselves can be challenging at times. But it is rewarding after all. After all, they are the people who understand us the way our family doesn’t. They celebrate our joys and pains like they are theirs. For reasons like these, it is very important to surround yourselves with people who support your goals and promise to be with you through thick and thin. But are these friendships so easy to find and maintain? Not really. There are people out there who find it difficult to make new friends, or in today’s language, socialise. To refine this, they are called introverts, who are a bit shy in making new friends.
Don’t you worry about that, we got you covered. Here are some 8 useful and practical tips about how to make friends!
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Take that first step
A lot of conversations don’t happen because there is this wait for the other person to approach us. Whether in a circle of people or just two individuals, it is doesn’t matter who takes the step first. Say hello and tell something about yourself first, then let the other person talk about himself/herself. In no time, you will realise in the end the conversation matters, not who initiated and who didnot.
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Don’t judge
One of the important answers to how to make friends is to never judge. Be open to new ideas, opinions and suggestions. Judging someone on any parameter is morally not right and should never be a part of any friendship. You never know you might find a friend who has different taste in music, isn’t really interested in cars but listens to what your heart says! Look for that sign!
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Be yourself
Friendships are often not started when a person isn’t being himself/herself. Like what you want, wear what you want and speak your mind. You will rather be respected and looked up for conflicting views than not being yourself.
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Make the effort
Friendships don’t last magically for 40 years; you have to invest in them. Always remember to make the effort to stay connected with your best pal even after years. That’s the real kind of friendship. The willingness to stay in touch is what differentiates acquaintances and friendships.
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Goals
If you are desperately in search for new friends and thinking where to make friends, set a goal. If you attend a party, you will leave making two new friends. That’s how networking is done and you never know, you might not be great friends in later years but you will definitely be expanding your social domain!
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Be out there!
If you are thinking, okay, I know what do but where to make friends, we got ample of ideas for you. Volunteer somewhere, attend social groups, enrol yourself in workshops or make virtual friends through online communities. There are way too many options, only if you really look out.
The last and the most important is to connect with a genuine cause. Don’t just make friends, invest in them, and take some time out for them. It is only then that you feel that connection with them. Otherwise, it doesn’t take a second to turn things soar.