If you are new to an area or simply want more friends than you have now, you can make local friends in a variety of ways. The best way for you to meet friends depends on your personality type and the ways in which you relate to people, but you can follow some general guidelines and decide which methods suit you best. Before you know it, you'll be enjoying a more active social life with your new friends.
Step 1
Be friendly, smile and chat with people wherever you go. You might find great potential friends at work, in line at the store or at entertainment events, but if you don't open up and talk to anyone, you will miss out. You can start a conversation by asking a general question such as directions or the time.
Step 2
Take a class that interests you or will help advance your career. You will be killing two birds with one stone by learning something useful and also meeting people with similar goals and interests. Class also gives you a common topic of conversation.
Step 3
Join a club or special interest group that you feel passionate about. You will meet people with similar interests and can plan activities together centering on your hobbies. You can find local clubs online--see Resources for some sites--or look for events in your local newspaper.
Step 4
Meet local friends online by joining social networking sites and reconnecting with old friends from school while also making new friends. Once you find friends online, meet at a park or local coffee shop to chat and catch up or get to know each other better. The Internet has become a common tool for people to socialize.
Step 5
Volunteer for a cause you care about to meet like-minded people. Andrea Lavinthal and Jessica Rozler, authors of "Friend or Frenemy?" advise volunteering as a way to meet new friends. You can meet compassionate, caring friends at volunteer events.
Tips and Warnings
- If you want to make good friends, be a good friend. According to the Oprah website, make sure you have balanced friendships and clear your life of narcissistic, self-centered friends who always take but don't give. Likewise, be a generous and giving friend so you are not labeled a taker, but know where to set your boundaries and ask for help and support in return, so your friendships are a two-way street.
- If you are meeting someone from the Internet for the first time, choose a well-lit public place, let someone else know where you are and have an escape plan in case of an emergency.
Things You'll Need
- Internet connection
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