According to experts at the National Mental Health Information Center, the process of meeting people and developing friendships typically occurs when individuals get to know each other through shared experiences or activities. When people go through life transitions, such as moving to a new location, attending a new school or starting a new job, they often have to get acquainted with new people and friendships may develop as a part of that process. With positive social skills and some self-awareness, meeting people and developing true friendships can be an enjoyable experience.
Step 1
Network with new people through activities such as community groups, sports or academic classes. Experts at the National Mental Health Information Center suggest that most strong friendships form between people who share common interests. When people work together on a project or play together on a sports team, they often form positive bonds from sharing enjoyable or meaningful experiences with each other.
Step 2
Get to know new people through current friends. Gretchen Rubin, author of "The Happiness Project," suggests that some very strong friendships can be formed through mutual friendships. Current friends may often know other people who share the same interests or values, and this offers the potential for individuals to create larger groups of friends who can take part in social gatherings together.
Step 3
Exhibit positive, caring and honest behaviors. Rubin notes that being positive is an important part of developing a strong friendship. Friendships bring people a sense of comfort and enjoyment through positive contact. Loyalty and honesty are also important aspects of friendship. It's hard to feel secure or trusting in a friendship if the other person is not honest and kind.
Step 4
Offer support to your friends who are in times of need, and accept help from others when you are in need. Experts at the National Mental Health Information Center note that strong friendships are built on mutual caring and support. Friends should offer each other help during difficult times as well as accept help from each other. Friendships cannot be one-way relationships; developing a true friendship is a process of both giving and accepting support.
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