How do you turn acquaintances into friends?

Question

I've always been kind of a shy person and I only need a few friends, plus I put all my energy into a couple of close friendships at a time, but lately one of my friends has been ticking me off a lot. I guess it might or might not pass over but I know it would be healthy for me to spend more time with other friends. I have a lot of friendly aquaintances but it's hard for me to know how to let people know I'd like to get together more. Sometimes I try a bit but a lot of people don't seem to have time and then I get frustrated and give up. Some people might think I'm boring because I never drink and I'm sort of brainy and nerdy, but I'm really a good listener. Often I want to hang around people who are a lot older but I think they make assumptions about me because of my age.

Answer 1

Cogratulations! You are part of a group of billions of people who are introverts.

Introverts are at certain disadvantages and the current society that extols the virtues of a loquacious, ebullient character can sometimes make you feel that you lack something. You don't! You just have position yourself in situations where your strengths are valued better.

Don't hang out in bars where loudness is the norm. Find alternative forms of entertainment. There are a lot of people who don't drink that lead very satisfying social life. Are you interested in sports? Join a running club. If you are like other introverts, you must love reading or photography. Join groups that have people of these interests.
Let the society not dictate who your friends are and how many you have.

Answer 2

This can be a tricky problem. Some people make friends at a drop of a hat and often they are the sort of guy or girl it is easy to be friends with.

Firstly, to find new friends you can get out and about. Join clubs, share interests and so on. I once had a flat mate you raced go carts. So he would sit down the bottom of our block of flats working on his go cart, so of course he got to know everyone in the building, and met his future wife.

Also do some things to get people around. Eg, have dinner parties, or other events. I used to get friends to every year to see a free out door show.

Interests means you can invite people around to do something. Hiking is a good one, get together, walk, hike have fun.

The more you invite other people the more likely they will invite you.

Answer 3

Friends are made over a long period of time..true friends that is.. most of our acquaintances are just that ...we may have a little in common with them but after a while we do not want to be around them ...
Always try to be with people that you are really comfortable with that you have the same intrests then you will build up a friendship.
Having one or two close friends is great....it all takes time.

Answer 4

i've meet people who makes friends fast. treat them very well, give them reasons to be with you, do things for them that nobody has offered to do before without being a doormat, set boundaries. be open and accepting and listen to what they have to say. tell them what they want to hear(good for short term, but will give you a wide selection). i'm totally not that type, but i've fallen for that type and they have tons of people to choose from.