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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

  • Talk with Your Teen About Healthy Relationships (Part 1)

  • Understanding Bias

  • Practicing Mindful Communication

  • Tips for Getting Along with a Roommate

  • Help End Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence

Other Topics

    • Tackling Loneliness
    • Maintaining Respect and Civility in the Workplace
    • Social Injustice: An Open Dialogue
    • Building Healthy and Happy Relationships
    • Keeping an Open Mind
    • Leaning into relationships during stressful moments
    • Listening Tips
    • Anger
    • Helping others can help you
    • Recovering from domestic violence
    • Online Dating Scams
    • Talk with Your Teen About Healthy Relationships (Part 3)
    • Expand Your Circles: Prevent Isolation and Loneliness as You Age (Part 1)
    • Guidelines for Keeping Your Friendships Strong (Part 1)
    • Friendships and Social Connections (Part 2): Making and Maintaining