Forming make new friends daily can be intimidating if you are someone who feels introverted and shy when communicating with others. However, once you open up you will find the people you click with and it will be worthwhile to make such lifelong friends. Friends form a large part of who we are and how others perceive us. This is why it is said that our company is what defines us and so we must choose wisely. Friends help us get through life as they share in our highs and lows.
True friends stay with us in moments of despair as well as joy. Without them we won’t have a shoulder to cry upon or someone to support us in our moments of weakness. Real friends will advise us when we are in the wrong and appreciate us when we take the correct steps. Hence it goes without saying that making new friends daily can seem like a challenge but can be fun!
How to be a more friendly person?
Let go of all the shyness
The very first step that you need to take is to remove any feelings of fear and awkwardness in our mind. Be mentally prepared to socialize and build bonds. Don’t consider meeting new people as a daunting task as you tremble over the fact how to start conversations.
Even if you manage to pass through the ice breaker stage, you get overwhelmed over how to keep the simplest of conversations going. This shyness towards others is just the inbuilt doubt in us that we don’t have enough potential. Remove any such misforgivings and be confident in your skin. Once you act just the way you are, people will see you as an interesting individual who is proud of themselves. If you look closely, other people themselves are too busy solving these problems and concerns themselves. They will barely have any time to judge you as a person so don’t be too hard on yourself.
Don’t be too caught up about what impression you might cast on other people on initial meetups. Your overthinking and overanalyzing of every little thing may ruin the occasion. Stay in a happy and light-hearted mood. There is nothing to be serious about interacting with people and making new friends daily. People know that there are greater things and values that help forge a strong relationship.
It is not entirely dependent on the words spoken or gestures shown in a single encounter that form the basis of friendships. To think that there are actually people who judge you on your actions and looks then you need to reevaluate your friendships. Would you even want such people around you that constrict you as a person? They only bring in negative energy and you will be better off without them in your life. You need to remind yourself that people who are meant to be in your life will follow up and let you stay at ease.
Be outgoing with those you are familiar with
If you have already set your own boundaries and feel like meeting a new group of people will drain your social battery. Then the best way to proceed is to start with the circle of friends that you feel the most comfortable with. These can be your acquaintances like the people who you have had a hello-hi relationship with. You might have lost contact with them if you moved to a new place or got busy with your lifestyle. If you both follow eachother on social media then make sure to send in a text asking how they have been doing. Also decide if you want to have a casual meetup with them. You can join cliques which are already established groups of friends. This can help diminish any awkwardness as the previous friends will all be at their best social selves.
They will be taking the lead in most conversations and introduce you to other members. Here you don’t need to take on an active role. Just be your true self and observe the nature of every person in the group. Another way to increase your friend circle is by joining in on any invites from your friends’ other friends. Allow your mutuals to introduce you to other people they are in contact with.
Surely you will get comfortable with them as well. Additionally, don’t be too guarded and instead accept invitations to go out. Most people are reluctant to say yes because they are too used to their comfort zones and prefer staying at home. Thus, to add a hint of fun in your social life you need to make sure you are not being a complete introvert. Party a little, hangout with new people and allow them to see you as a welcoming and warm person.
Steps you can take
You need to take some worthwhile action such as meeting new people through apps like Meetup.com. On this website you can choose a particular group that fascinates you. This could be any one for entrepreneurs, artists, bakers, footballers etc. This will enable you to meet people who share similar traits as you. The get togethers are held monthly, depending on the group itself.
Attend personal development workshops where you can engage in conversations with individuals that inspire you. By volunteer work at some non-profit organization or even at your uncle’s local diner, you get to spread compassion and also meet new people. This free time that you have especially during summer vacations after giving your school exams can be utilized to its best. Go to parties such as birthdays, christmas celebrations, eid festivals, local fairs in towns etc. Here you can meet large groups of people from all walks of life.
Join online communities and forums for these are some of the best places to make new friends. You will make true and sincere friends even if you don’t get to see them very often. Participate in the online discussions here and add your inputs for instance if someone needs advice on a topic. Be sure to offer your help and whatever useful information you have.