“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” —Proverbs 12:26.
The art of making friends is a skill many of us are yet to Master. Myself included. In fact—I must admit I have no strong interest in learning how to make friends, not because it is something that comes naturally but because…I don’t have much of an interest.
Don’t excuse my lack of interest for loner-ness or anti-social behavior. Disclaimer, I’ve got friends! Quite a few acquaintances too. And, of course, the occasional, “How are you doings”.
Making friends can be challenging. However, for some, it’s as easy as the alphabet. If you’re reading this article, I would assume it’s because you’re having a little trouble.
This blog post is in collaboration with Self-Empowerment with Xenna. If you’re interested in Mental-Health related content and seeking advice on how to manage your emotions, furthermore maintain mental clarity; Click here.
No need to feel ashamed or as though there is something wrong with you. Because there isn’t, six times out of Ten, there are thousands of others going through a similar struggle. For this reason, I have put together a few ways through which you can build lasting connections and make Genuine friends.
Making Friends Online
Making friends in college.
Joining Clubs and Social Circles
Attending Events
Learning a Skill
1.Making Friends Online
I am not an avid supporter of making friends online because I believe these connections can primarily be based on superficiality. Such as looks, if they are on Instagram, or out of pure boredom. Most people do not go online in search of a strong connection. Even when bored or lonely—they are primarily searching for a pass time.
However, I would not completely rule out the possibility, either. I remember making a few online friends as a youngster, which of course, did not work out (and in some ways) was extremely dangerous. However, many are pretty lucky in this domain.
They join online forums, discord servers, or even online gaming communities and form lasting friendships. Even via twitter or Instagram, where people can stumble upon your profile and admire whatever they see.
It’s just a possibility and an extra step you can take if real life isn’t working so well for you. And if you find yourself to be much more expressive, or ‘yourself’ online.
2.Making friends in college.
This goes specifically for those of us who are still in school. Making friends in high school and University is another topic I might cover in another Article.
However, you may read this and roll your eyes because your college days are over. Making friends as an adult does not become any easier. In fact, it is a lot more cumbersome.
For those of us still in College, I suggest that you form a network of at least like-minded individuals you can sometimes have a word with. College can make this relatively more straightforward because you can live around and with others (in dorms), you are sometimes placed in groups, University is typically racked with a plethora of events, and so on.
Even if you don’t consider yourself an Extroverted person or someone who enjoys forming bonds through chatter and going out, go to the quieter areas, like libraries. Most of the time, you may have to strike up the first conversation.
Remember, you are trying to find friends or connect in a library. A few of the people there are on a similar quest. And then there is a possibility they may not. It is up to you to find out.
3.Joining Clubs and Social Circles
This can quickly be done when we are still in High-school or College. Nonetheless, it is not out of your grasp once you become an Adult. Even with the likes of a demanding Job, it is still possible for you to join a club of personal interest and meet so many like-minded people.
I am particularly in love with this Idea because it makes creating connections so much easier. The connections have already been established—through your similar interest. All that is required of you is an extra step.
A leap of faith into approaching that one approachable person. Or stepping out of your comfort zone and trying your best to keep a conversation going with the person who is trying to turn you into their next best friend.
Joining a club is putting yourself smack-dab in the middle of ‘friendship opportunities’. I would highly recommend it!
Do you enjoy cycling? Join a cycling club.
Love cooking? How about a cooking club?
Enjoy reading? Are you familiar with any reading clubs in the area?
4.Attending Events
Like joining a club, attending events can be helpful. Though most people associate attending an event with—getting ready for social networking, events are obviously great places to meet new people.
Sure, it would also depend on the kind of event.
A birthday party or product Launching party would be excellent spots for some friendly chatter and contact saving.
A workshop? Or seminar, not so much.
5.Learning a Skill
Learning a skill is highly rewarding and comes with many perks. Through your newly acquired skills, you could venture into a world of self-discovery that opens you up to meeting many people involved in a similar niche.
For example, if you enjoy sewing or tailoring and creating your own clothes—you may join a group in which people are seeking to improve on similar skills. Through your shared connection and interests, you could strike up many friendships, which could inevitably be long-lasting since you are indeed bonding over shared interests.
I love writing, and because of my love for writing I was able to collaborate with another Wonderful Mental Health Blogger named Xenna. Her Blog, Self-empowerment with Xenna is filled with a plethora of valuable content geared towards helping people manage their emotions, as well as pave their paths towards mental clarity.
I would highly recommend you check out her blog.
Making friends is difficult as an adult, a teenager, and a Woman. However, it is not an impossible task, and once done with the right tips, sometimes strategies, and aims, it is always enriching.
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