"One is the loneliest number," goes the chorus lyric of a song performed in 1969 by Three Dog Night. Whether you're a kid starting a new school, an adult relocating to a new city or a retired person adjusting to a new life beyond the workforce, feeling alone is an easily understandable condition. Unless you're the solo resident of a remote Antarctic outpost, however, networking opportunities for friendships can be found every day in even the most ordinary circumstances.
Step 1
Sign up for a class, workshop or lecture series in your community. According to Leil Lowndes, author of "How to Be a People Magnet: Finding Friends--and Lovers--and Keeping Them for Life," this puts you in the immediate company of kindred spirits with shared interests. Hook up with a study partner or ask some of your peers if they'd like to go out for coffee after class to discuss the latest assignment.
Step 2
Volunteer your services at a local nonprofit or grassroots political campaign. This not only gives you a chance to shine as a team player or leader but puts you in the company of others who share your passion and vision for making a difference in the community and the world. If you're a single parent, look into opportunities with libraries, after school programs, sports coaching and neighborhood play groups.
Step 3
Strike up casual conversations with strangers whenever you're in line at a store, at an event or waiting for public transportation. Projecting a positive, open-minded attitude accompanied by a smile is a natural draw, says Don Gabor, author of "How To Start A Conversation And Make Friends." Once introductions are made, he recommends repeating the new person's name a time or two during the conversation. The listener interprets this as a favorable sign she has made a good impression and will likely want to continue the chat beyond the current venue.
Step 4
Make new acquaintances feel as if they're the most important people in the room, says Nicholas Boothman, author of "How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less." This means listening more than talking and asking open-ended questions that encourage your new acquaintances to tell you about themselves. At the end of the chat, you're the one who's still the charismatic mystery. This often prompts an invitation to learn more.
Step 5
Throw a party and ask attendees to bring one or two new people you don't know. These social mixers not only broaden your own social networking opportunities but invite others to become acquainted as well.
Step 6
Join chat rooms and foster online connections through social websites, such as Meet Up or Badoo. These virtual meeting places allow you to share your views with others as well as locate fun events in your region that attract fellow members.
References
- "How to Be a People Magnet: Finding Friends--and Lovers--and Keeping Them for Life"; Leil Lowndes; 2002
- "How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less"; Nicholas Boothman; 2008
- "How To Start A Conversation And Make Friends"; Don Gabor; 2001
Member Comments