Friendship - how to make new friends
Friendships are an important part of life, but many of us find it difficult to find, make or keep friends. Life events, such as moving to another neighbourhood, starting a job or having a baby, can isolate us from our former support group and make forging new friendships more important than ever. In other cases, shyness or poor social skills can prevent us from taking the first step in forming a friendship. This article offers practical suggestions that may help you to expand your social circle or reinforce the relationships you already have.
Priming yourself for friendship
You may want friendship, but what kind of friend would you make? Factors to consider include:
* Attitudes to others - we can drive potential friends away by demanding they share our attitudes, beliefs or behaviours. If you accept that other people have a right to be different from you, then you open yourself up to the possibility of experiencing relationships that bring a fresh perspective to your life.
* Treatment of other people - think about how you like to be treated, then offer the same to the people in your life.
* Don't expect instant results - good friends aren't made overnight. Sharing your deepest secrets in one night won't necessarily create a close friendship. It may even drive the other person away. Take it slowly. Divulge 'safe' secrets first, and allow the relationship to hold some weight before you share the meatier issues in your life.
* Curb the urge to criticise - constantly griping about the failures and weaknesses of other people can make your listener feel wary of you. How do they know you aren't complaining about their flaws to other friends?
* Don't gossip - potential friends aren't going to trust you if you constantly gossip to them about the trials and tribulations of other people in your life.
* Don't compromise yourself - each one of us has standards of morality and behaviour. Don't allow yourself to compromise yourself for the sake of 'fitting in' with a group.
Places to meet friends
Suggestions include:
* Many people make friends at work. Open yourself up to the possibilities by participating in social occasions, such as Friday night drinks or lunches to celebrate employee birthdays.
* Follow your interests. For example, if you like walking, join a neighbourhood walking group.
* If you don't work and have no particular hobbies, consider joining a volunteer group with a charity that interests you.
* Use your existing network of family and friends to meet new people.
* Don't turn down party invitations.
When making friends is difficult
Some people find it difficult to make friends. Perhaps they are shy, or feel they lack the social skills to start a conversation. Suggestions include:
* Join groups that share your common interests. Talking about one of your passions, such as gardening or writing short stories, for example, can help give you confidence to talk about other things with potential new friends.
* Watch and learn from gregarious people who make friends easily.
* Practise looking people in the eye when you talk to them.
* Listen to what others are saying, rather than focusing on your own self-consciousness.
* Smile.
* Look for anyone else in the room who seems socially awkward, and approach them for conversation.
* When you talk to someone new, ask them questions about themselves or what they like to do; it's a good way to get started.
* Social skills can be learned, so seek professional help if you feel you need it.
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Friendship_how_to_make_new_friends?Open
2006-08-23 01:56:08
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answer #1
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answered by super_sexy_amazona 4
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I moved from the west coast to the east coast by myself and I dont know anybody, from knowing everybody. I started working and meeting people online. I wouldnt say I have friends, cause those are hard to find. Hang in there and get envolved with more social activities that intrest you and find friends or better yet get a girlfriend or boyfriend, they become your best friend anyway. Either way just be happy and know matter where you go Life is work.
2006-08-23 01:46:17
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answer #2
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answered by Brad B 2
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we are residing in an place of residing and our 2 year old Miniature Pinsher has carried out rather nicely. I do could take her out to my mum and dad or inlaws so she would be able to get her share of workout. She is an entire bread minpin yet i could no longer inform you what she replaced into nicely worth, she replaced right into a Christmas present from my bf. She is cute, lovable, and could shelter your abode. even in spite of the undeniable fact that she's a miniature, she thinks she's a super and barks like mad at drawing close strangers. She likes to play, yet i will grant you with a warning the 1st few months you may desire to locate allot of chewed up stuff. Daddy and that i are rather undesirable interior the self-discipline branch and because she have been given there (at 6 wks old) we enable her sleep on our mattress and has refused to pass away. Her canines food isn't high priced, we get her a small bag for like $5 and could final her for some month. She has in basic terms gotten ill on me as quickly as and that's via fact the little sneaky have been given into the trash and ate some thing undesirable for her. Minpins have an extrordianry character, you may desire to swear they are human. i might recommend domestic dog college in case you could, they are able to be a sprint obdurate and prefer mine SPOILED ROTTEN. terrific of luck to you. i desire you stumble on a super new chum!
2016-09-29 21:33:55
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I understand what your going through. Things will hopefully get better. Just keep your head up and stay busy. That helped me out a lot.
2006-08-23 01:41:53
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answer #4
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answered by The Plague 4
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it's very hard in a small town. the people in them aren't very forgiving or forgetfull. i grew up in one and raised my oldest son in one. if you fart down the street your parents will know by the time you get home...right? get a good education and get out of there, unless you like everyone knowing your business
2006-08-23 01:41:29
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answer #5
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answered by notyours 5
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Is that a question or are you trying to get some free counsling out of it?
In the words of Dr. Phil, "Oprah can buy her friends, but the price is letting her sit on your face, my face hurts."
2006-08-23 01:42:32
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answer #6
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answered by halifaxguy00 2
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I've been there. It sucks.
But things will change eventually. Hang in there.
2006-08-23 01:40:21
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Yes. I'm in the exact same situation. Welcome to my very lonely world. If it weren't for the net I'd be dead...
2006-08-23 01:41:03
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answer #8
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answered by Israely Jew 3
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move what are you waiting for
2006-08-23 01:41:30
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answer #9
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answered by sassybiva 2
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