Isolation can cause various mental and physical health problems, while having friendships is known to improve our overall well-being.

It seems now more than ever many people have retreated into their own isolated cocoons. 

Some blame the recent pandemic and ensuing lockdowns.

Others have pointed out because we have technological luxuries previous generations didn’t, our need for reaching out to other humans to cure boredom has declined.

Let’s discuss how to make new friends.

How To Make New Friends

Is Having No Friends Bad For Your Mental Health?

A large study of over 300,000 individuals examined the importance of friendships worldwide and found that those who prioritized friendships had higher overall health and well-being.

Is It Rare To Have No Friends?

If you’ve ever wondered to yourself why you don’t have more friends these days, it may reassure you to know that you aren’t unusual.

A recent survey found that more than 20% of people in the USA have no close friends. Next time you’re out in public, imagine that every fifth person you see is in this position.

Why Am I Ok With Having No Friends?

Being alone grants us the freedom to stay fully present with our true self and experience things as we truly see them.

Having fewer friends, in turn, may sometimes allow us to be more in tune with ourselves.

At What Age Do People Stop Making New Friends?

Making new friends can happen at any age.  But it does feel like making new friends becomes harder as we get older. 

Research has shown that for both men and women, the age of 25 is when most of us start losing friends.

Suddenly, our friends may disappear for varying reasons, or we may start taking new life directions as we graduate from college.

We may adopt new values. Sometimes somewhat suddenly, we may end up wondering one day where all our friends have gone.

Why Am I So Quiet With Everyone?

Introversion is a personality trait that often causes a need for more alone time to recharge.

Introverts are usually deep thinkers and as a result come across as less engaged than extroverts.

Introverts can and do contribute though, they’re just taking their time and thinking things out more thoroughly before they contribute.

What Are Signs Of Loneliness?

• An inability to connect with others on a deeper, more intimate level.
• Having no close or best friends.
• Overwhelming feelings of isolation regardless of where you are or who’s around.
• Having negative feelings of self-doubt and self-worth.

What Are Some Ways To Make New Friends?

• Join a club or group.
• Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
• Invite people over for coffee or dinner.
• Ask an online friend or acquaintance if they would like to meet in person.
• Ask your friends to introduce you to their friends.
• Be intentional about staying connected.
• Focus on being a good friend.

How to Start a Friendship

• Be positive.
• Be kind.
• Start the conversation.
• Show interest. 
• Smile.
• Share a story.
• Tell jokes.
• Do a small favour for someone.

How Can I Be More Social With New Friends?

• Improve your emotional intelligence.
• Practice effective communication skills.
• Look inwards.
• Try to show outward friendliness.
• Ask more than you speak.
• Give compliments.
• Be polite.
• Use open body language and non-verbal communication.

How Do Introverts Make New Friends?

Introverts, just like anyone else, can make friends easier by showing authentic interest in the other person.

Listen closely to what they say and offer your thoughts or opinions when your turn comes to speak.

Ask follow-up questions to draw them out, and when they ask you questions answer sincerely, honestly, and in more than just a few surface words.

How Do You Become Friends With A Quiet Person?

Have patience, sometimes it takes a while for shy people to feel comfortable enough to open up.

They may not respond as you might expect or want them to at first, but that’s fine, just keep looking for casual ways to talk to them.

Keep saying hello or keep inviting them to join activities if they may initially decline.

How Do I Fix Not Having Friends?

• Don’t be afraid of rejection.
• Turn acquaintances into friends.
• Don’t be afraid of meeting new people.
• Volunteer your time.
• Find people who have similar interests.
• Don’t judge others.
• Work on your shyness or social anxiety.
• Be open-minded.
• Be open with people about who you are.

Final Thoughts

For various reasons making and keeping friends has been trending down in Western societies for decades.  Many believe the increased presence of social media and online distractions in our lives are to blame.

Regardless of the reasons, we can start by making a real effort to cultivate new relationships while also trying to stay in touch with old friends. 

Reach out to that old friend you haven’t spoken to for a while and ask how they are, some friendships often end simply because neither person took the initiative to re-connect.

When you’re with someone you’d like to know better, try starting a conversation about something fun or interesting.

Even when you’re just meeting someone, you can make them feel comfortable by asking the right questions and being a good listener.

Thanks for reading, please comment or follow the links.

Sources and other reading:

How To Make New Friends

The Value Of Friendship

How To Fix A Broken Friendship

How To Be More Confident

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