What kind of a world would this be if we didn’t have friends? Friends are what pull us up when we’re feeling down, and what gives us strength when we’re feeling like we need someone to pull us up during difficult moments.
However, some people may have trouble making friends despite wanting to have more. It can be especially difficult when you start nearing retirement age, and you don’t get out as much as you used to. Sometimes it all comes down to knowing some simple tactics. If you want to make some more friends, then look no further than these effective methods.
Fake it Till You Make It
One of the biggest challenges with making new friends is that we’re afraid that we don’t deserve it. We may feel unconfident about ourselves, and maybe even downright shy. Sometimes the key is simply taking the first step. If you meet someone that you’d like to hang out with, put on a brave face, and act the part. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of faking it until you make it. Pretend like you’re a confident person, and you’ll start to convince yourself that you truly are.
Join a Club or Activity
One of the reasons it starts to get harder to make friends as we get older is because we are out less than when we’re younger. Joining an activity can be a great way to meet others and stay involved in your community. Whether it’s joining a bowling league or signing up for a dance class, don’t be shy about getting to know the other people in the class.
If you start feeling yourself getting nervous, take a deep breath and trust the process. Realize that fear is bigger than the reality of the situation, and interestingly most people are just as shy as you are.
Frequent the Same Place
Going to the same places provides the opportunity to see the same regulars and staff that open up more possibilities for striking up a conversation. The more that people see you in the same place regularly, the more likely they’ll be to remember you and chat.
Statistics show that people who know the most people in their city are the ones that tend to go to the same places over and over.
Smile
This might seem crazy, but the more that you smile, the more people will feel inclined to come up and talk to you. If you seem closed and shut off then people will feel intimidated and less open to talking. The more that you walk around with a positive demeanor, the more chances you have of people taking a chance on talking to you.
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