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Making New Friends

Sometimes, you just feel like branching out and meeting new people. Most people need different friends for different things. Some friends are great for sharing deep secrets, and others are right for just plain fun. Some are both!

Sometimes, you want new friends because your old friendships are unhealthy. You can try to help your friends, but it's very important to take care of yourself. If ending the friendship is tough, ask someone you trust for ideas and support.

It can take practice to figure out how to make new friends. Don't worry if you feel a little shy. The other person may feel exactly the same way and may be very glad you reached out.

You can learn to make new friends. Check out these tips:

  • Join in! Get involved in activities that interest you, such as sports, clubs, or volunteering. You'll find people with similar interests.
  • Say hi. Introduce yourself to someone new. Repeat the person's name to help you remember it.
  • Ask questions. People often love to talk about themselves. Ask where someone got her outfit or what she thinks of the teacher.
  • Practice. Are you afraid you'll get tongue-tied? Try out some ideas with an old friend, a sibling, or a parent (or even a patient dog)!
  • Listen well. Make eye contact, and avoid distractions like your phone.
  • Be warm. Most people appreciate a friendly smile or a kind word.
  • Be polite. If someone says something nice to you, make sure to say "thank you."
  • Suggest something. Do you have a hard time making conversation? Suggest that you and your new friend do an activity together, like going for a jog or watching a movie.
  • Be patient. It can take time to make new friends. Try not to come on too strong by doing things like texting the person many times a day.
  • Take a risk. You can't succeed unless you try. Remember, a great new friend may be waiting for you!

Miles of Smiles

Most people feel a little alone or down at times. Why not try spreading simple acts of kindness with small, daily gestures? Smile at someone who seems lonely, or send a friendly message to someone who is down. Good actions come back to you, and one may lead to a lasting new friendship. Plus, you can spread a little joy yourself!

Office on Women's Health (OWH), GirlsHealth. (Updated 2021 [Ed.]). Making new friends (B. Schuette, Ed.). Retrieved June 28, 2021, from https://www.girlshealth.gov

More about this Topics

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  • Guidelines for Keeping Your Friendships Strong (Part 2)

  • Building Social Bonds

  • Understanding Teen Dating Violence

  • Simple Ideas for a Great First Date

Other Topics

    • Listening Tips
    • Recovering from domestic violence
    • Assertiveness
    • Leaning into relationships during stressful moments
    • Helping others can help you
    • Tackling Loneliness
    • Keeping Your Love Alive
    • Examining Relationships: Healthy vs. Unhealthy
    • Say What You Mean the Right Way: Healthy Forms of Communication
    • Interpersonal Communication: Social Skills for Success
    • Jealousy in Romantic Relationships
    • The Dating Game Has Strict Rules at Work
    • Talking About Race at Work
    • Grieving the Death of an LGBTQ+ Partner
    • Rebuilding Social Connections (After the Pandemic Ends)