In these times of increased reliance on communicating through technology, the ubiquitous use of social media, and the COVID forced social isolation, it may be difficult to sustain previous relationships and nearly unimaginable to make new friends. Prior to COVID, it was a common struggle for many to make and keep friends. Now, many aren’t even putting forth the effort.
So, let’s start over. How do you even make friends? Here are three tips to get you started
- Be accessible
- Put yourself in situations where you can be around people.
- Attend networking events, join clubs/social groups, attend social affairs.
- Be open
- You might have to get out of your comfort zone and initiate contact and conversations.
- You may have to go out of your way to build bonds with others. But it could be worth it.
- Show up
- When you make a connection and say “we should get together,” do the work to plan and meet.
- Don’t leave it to chance; schedule something in the same conversation.
It sounds daunting because it is. But if you want to be in a different life space, you have to move. Work those muscles that have gotten used to being stagnant. Grow into the person you strive to be.
What are your thoughts? Have you struggled with making friends? Please share.