How to make new friends and still be yourself
It’s your first day reporting to work in a new company, or perhaps you’re attending the orientation program of your new University program. You have butterflies in your stomach and you don’t feel quite so good 🤢
Thinking of skipping the orientation program? Don't bail out just yet! You might be telling yourself that it's a waste of time, and that you'd be better off doing your own research online instead. Before you make that decision, take a moment to read this blog.
Making new friends can feel intimidating, but it's important to remember that it is NORMAL to feel fearful when doing something new, such as meeting new people! We've all been there and you have certainly overcome a fair share of difficult encounters in life.
However, the benefits of forming new friendships are worth it. Through new experiences, you can gain a new perspective and view the world in a different way. Interacting with new people allows you to see how they work, think, and navigate their choices in life.
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take the first step in forming new friendships - it could lead to a world of new possibilities!
Here’s what you need to know about making new friends:
1. You’re not alone 😮💨
You're not alone in feeling a little anxious about connecting with new people. We all have that desire to form connections and build relationships. In fact it’s an innate desire in ALL humans to connect simply because we’re social creatures.
Even if it comes more easily to some people than to others, you have the ability to connect with others! Here's the thing: you're probably MORE similar to those people than you realize. In fact, you likely have more in common with them than you think!
So don't worry so much if striking up a conversation with a new person feels a little intimidating. You're not different or lacking in the ability to connect. It just takes practice and a little bit of courage. Choose to put yourself out there and your new friend-to-be will be SO grateful you did it!
2. Get curious! 😃
If you're looking to make new friends, asking open-ended questions is a great way to get the conversation flowing. People love the attention that comes with someone showing genuine interest in them. By asking questions, you show that you care about what they have to say and are curious to learn more about them.
Remember that it's not necessarily about what you say, but how you make them FEEL. By creating a positive and engaging atmosphere, you can help to foster strong connections that keep the friendship going. So don't be afraid to get curious and ask those open-ended questions!
3. Start small 👣
Making new friends doesn't have to be a daunting task. Sometimes all it takes is a small, simple interaction to get things started. You don't have to spend hours chatting if you don't want to - just start with a quick introduction and ask a few questions to get to know your new peer. See if you click well and if there's potential for a friendship to grow.
And don't worry if you feel like it's time to end the conversation - it's perfectly normal to ease yourself out of it. There's no shame or awkwardness in saying goodbye and moving on. Remember, it's all about taking small steps and building connections one interaction at a time.
4. Be YOURSELF 🌟
We all want friends who are authentic and true to themselves. When you act, behave, and speak as your genuine self, there's no doubt or suspicion about who you really are. Being authentic allows you to connect with others much more easily, and making friends becomes less tiring because you don't have to constantly strive to be your perfect self.
Remember, the best way to connect with others is to be genuine and authentic. Don't try to be someone you're not or pretend to be interested in things that don't truly interest you. Just be true to yourself and let your unique personality shine through.
Developing new friendships is a process that takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, stay positive, and keep putting yourself out there. With practice and persistence, you'll soon find yourself connecting with new people and developing meaningful friendships. 💞
Curious to find out if you have all the qualities it takes to be the “best” type of friend people would LOVE to have? Then you HAVE to check this resource I made just for you! A checklist with a list of qualities people have voted to be what they seek and admire in a friend. Download your checklist here ⬇️
Since you’re here, be sure to subscribe to our email list and be part of the EB Tribe. You’ll get instant access to a powerful training guide that I created to help you release the critical, judgmental thoughts in your mind 📩. You’ll also get exclusive content, some special love notes, and personal updates from me that I simply don't share anywhere else 🤫
