I was just talking about this very thing with someone the other day. Making new friends is an important part of life. For some of us, our friends are the most important part of our lives. You can’t make new friends sitting in front of a computer screen, sitting in front of a TV screen. How do you make new friends? How do you make ANY friends?

Get out. Join a club. Find a group with like minded interests. If you’re a writer, join a writer’s group. If you’re a photographer, find a photography group. If there’s not one in your area, start one yourself. Be assertive. There’s gotta be something you enjoy doing. Find a way to make that work for you. Don’t be reluctant to step up and make the first move.

When you walk into the room for the first time, scope it out. There’ll be someone in that room you feel an instant connection with. There always is. Walk over to them and introduce yourself. Chances are that same person is feel the connection too, but they are not assertive enough to step up. This person could wind up being your friend the rest of your life. What are you waiting for? Get out there.

I have such a diverse group of friends right now and it is because I’ve never been afraid to step up. Moving around as much as I did growing up strengthened my assertiveness. If I wanted to have ANY friends it was up to me to make the first move. I could have very easily shrunk away and used the fact that I moved so often as an excuse not to make any friends. I chose to do the opposite and find the good in the difficult. The fact that I moved so often gave the opportunity to become more assertive.

If you’re having a difficult time in your life, a new friend might just be the cure. Just remember, all of the friends you have now were once new friends. What’s more important to you? Staying home and wallowing, or getting out and having some fun?

Want to see another perspective on making new friends? Check out Vanessa’s Optimal Optimist

Be Happy! Be Well! Be Positive!
—
Chris