How to Make Friends

March 27, 2025

By: Shelby Ruman, MS, LPC

Friendship is an important part of life. Being social is part of human nature. Strong friendships

provide emotional support, increase happiness, and contribute to our overall well-being.

However, making friends, especially as we get older, can be tough. Whether you’re moving to a

new place, starting a new job, or just looking to expand your social circle, forming genuine

connections requires effort, patience, and a little strategy. Below are some tips to help make

and maintain meaningful friendships.

Be Open to New Experiences

One of the best ways to make friends is to put yourself in situations where you can meet new

people. Some ways to do this are by joining clubs, attending community events, taking up a new

hobby, or participating in group activities. A few examples include fitness classes, any type of

club, volunteer work, community groups like gardening clubs, or a sports league. If any of these

don’t work for you, start by finding something you are interested in and googling what groups

they have in that interest near you or online. By engaging in activities that interest you, you’ll

naturally find people who share your passions.

Sharpen Those Listening Skills

Friendships are built on mutual understanding and connection. A crucial skill in making friends is

being able to actively listen to them. Showing genuine interest in what others say by asking

follow-up questions and actively engaging in conversations is important. Avoid interrupting or

dominating the conversation. Instead try to make people feel heard and valued, which can help

build trust and rapport. After all, most people like to feel that when they talk they are being

genuinely heard.

Find Common Interests

Most friendships are formed from an initial shared interest. When meeting new people, look for

common ground, whether it’s a love for movies, music, sports, food, or any particular hobby. If

you’re in a new environment, consider joining a group or community related to your interests.

Websites like Meetup or local Facebook groups can help you find people who are interested in

the same things that are in your area.

Make the First Move

Now I know what you may be thinking. Making the first move can be scary. However,

sometimes if we want something, we have to get it for ourselves. Sometimes, people hesitate to

initiate friendships because they fear rejection. But, taking the first step can make all the

difference. If you meet someone you connect with, suggest hanging out. This doesn’t have to be

an extreme event, it can be something as simple as grabbing coffee, going for a walk, or

attending an event together. Many people are looking for new friends too and a lot of times may

also be scared to make the first move.

Be Yourself

Authenticity is important to forming meaningful friendships. Pretending to be someone you’re

not will only lead to ingenuine connections. Embrace who you are and seek out people who

appreciate you for you. Genuine friendships are built on honesty and mutual respect.

It’s Alright if Not Everyone Becomes a Friend

Not every person you meet will become a close friend, and that’s okay. Friendships develop

naturally over time, and not every human interaction will result in a strong bond. Don’t take it

personally if someone isn’t interested in creating a deeper connection. Instead, focus on finding

people who genuinely enjoy your company.

Nurture and Maintain Friendships

Once you have made friends, it’s important to maintain these relationships. Keep in touch,

spend time together, and show appreciation for their place in your life. Friendships require effort

from both sides, so make sure to keep up your side of the friendship.

Sometimes life can be hard and human connection can be even harder to find. If you struggle

with social anxiety, or forming genuine connections and need help, reach out to us. We are here

to help.