Whether you're attending a new school, struggle with shyness or just want to a new peer group, making friends can seem intimidating. In high school, choosing your friends is an extremely important decision. Your friends are the people you'll turn to when you're in trouble, when you just need to talk and when you want advice. Often you'll participate in the same activities, go to the same get-togethers and parties, and feel a sense of belonging and loyalty to each other. Friends can influence you either positively or negatively.
Step 1
Make a list of things that you like to do, and figure out where you'll find other teens who enjoy those same activities. For instance, if you like to dance, you'll find other teens who like to dance on the school's dance team and local teen clubs.
Step 2
Pick one of the options from your list, and try to get involved. If you like soccer, you could try out for the soccer team. According to the Mayo Clinic website, joining a hobby group is one of the easiest ways to meet other teens who share similar interests.
Step 3
Introduce yourself to someone you sit next to in class. According to the Teens Health website, you should rehearse what you're going to say beforehand. If you're new to the school, you could ask what the teacher is like or how much homework he usually gives. You could compliment your classmate to start a conversation, but be genuine.
Step 4
Ask a classmate to study with you for an upcoming exam, to grab a slice of pizza after school or to go to the mall to help you pick out a gift for your sister's birthday. After you've had a conversation or two with one of your classmates and he seems interested in talking to you, take the next step by asking him to hang out after school.
Tips and Warnings
- If you try to make a new friend and the person doesn't seem interested, move on. You're not going to gel with everyone, and that's fine. Don't let one or two rejections keep you from trying again. Always be yourself. Don't pretend to like or dislike things to fit in. If you feel like you have to put on a show with someone, that person probably isn't the best person for you to have as a friend.
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