LIFE

Are you getting tired of hanging out with the same two or three people every day? Are you looking to make new friends, or feel like your group is too exclusive? Initiating a new friendship can be scary, and you may not know where to start. Try these six tips and tricks for opening yourself up to new people, and growing your bestie squad.

Join student organizations and groups.
Yeah, yeah. I know you've heard this one a thousand times. But that's because it's the best way to make new friends! What are you interested in? What do you want to learn more about? Do other students who are members seem like people you’d like to get to know? If so, grab a friend and attend your first meeting. Asking questions and showing interest is a good way to strike up a conversation. 

Don’t try to force friendships!
While it’s good to be friendly with everyone you meet, don’t force a friendship with someone you don’t like that much. Make efforts with people that you gravitate towards; people that you naturally want to be in conversation with. If you’re trying to befriend people you have nothing in common with, it probably won’t work out. Likewise, don't push a friendship if the other person seems distant or uninterested. 

Be a “giver." 
When you’re trying to make friends, you have to give people a reason to want to hang out with you. If you just want to talk about yourself and aren’t a good listener, people won’t think you’re interested in getting to know them. When you first meet someone, make an effort to learn about them as a person. If you can offer them help or advice with something in their life, even better. Think about it: Are you more likely to make plans with the girl who just offered to do your nails cause she loves cool nail art or the girl who droned on and on about her new horse? 

Be confident in yourself.
If you don’t like yourself, how can someone else? People are drawn to others who are authentically and unabashedly themselves. So first and foremost, make sure you’re happy with who you are. Don’t be afraid to say something weird, wear a unique outfit or go all out when dancing. Be yourself and your tribe will find you. 

Invite, invite, invite.
No matter what, it never hurts to invite people to sit with you at lunch or to go shopping after school. Think about it: have you ever been insulted by an invitation to hang out? Even if someone says no, they will most likely be flattered by the invitation. Are you studying for a history test with a friend after school? Invite the girl you sit next to in class to join. Going ice skating with the squad? Text a whole bunch of people to join the party! The more the merrier is a cliche, but it’s totally true. 

Just Smile.
People are more likely to strike up a conversation if you seem approachable. If you’re always quiet in class or have your head down looking at your phone during breaks, the girl that totes loves your style and wants to give you a compliment might be afraid to do so. Veer out from your comfort zone and look around you–somewhere in the sea of students, your new besties are waiting for you.

How did you and your besties meet? Share your stories in the comments below!

Photo Credit: Zimbio

by Kira Barrett | 2/2/2018