LIFE

If you're lucky, you're a part of an awesome friend group that you absolutely love. But even when you're surrounded by a solid squad, have you found yourself wondering what it'd be like to branch out a bit? Maybe you want to join a club that your friends aren't into, maybe you want a little distance from some recent drama or maybe you just want to talk to some new people in your math class.

We know you still heart your O.G. friends, and it's *totally* normal to want to expand your social circle! Not sure where to start? DW—we're here for you.

Join a club or sport

@amberunz

News flash: Your middle and high school years are the perfect time to try new things! Have you been wanting to audition for the school musical, go out for the field hockey team or join the community service club? Now's your chance!

We know it can be nerve-wracking to join something without your tried-and-true friends by your side, but remember: Plenty of potential friendships await you if you put yourself out there. You deserve to be a part of organizations that match your interests, and you'll be surrounded by people who love the same things you do. So go sign up for that club and gain some new friends you can totally relate to!

Introduce yourself to someone 

@maliabakermsb

You know that new student in your history class who seems super friendly? How about that funny classmate on the lacrosse team you just joined? Consider this a sign to go up and introduce yourself.

You can ask them about the upcoming essay to get a convo going, or you can even ask if they're a fan of one of your fave TV shows and see if they're down to chat about the upcoming season. No matter what convo-starter you go with, you'll probably leave the situation with a new friend—or at least a friendly acquaintance you can work with on partner projects.

Ask a new friend to hang out

@momonatamada

Turning an in-school friendship into an out-of-school one can be intimidating, especially if you're used to only hanging with your friend group (aka people you're already totally comfortable around). But trust us, the rewards def outweigh the risks on this one. 

When your meeting for the school paper is over, ask one of the writers you get along with if they'd want to head over to a nearby coffee shop to do homework together. Or after winning a basketball game, ask your teammates if they'd want to get pizza to celebrate. You'll be able to get to know your new friends better and make plans for some future hangouts together.

Keep in touch with your friend group

@nataliezacek

OK, so you're doing things that make you happy without needing your friend group's approval, *and* you've made some new friends along the way. Now what?

If drama within your friend group is what made you want to branch out, it might be time to reassess your relationship with your old crew. If you don't feel great when you're around them, or you feel like you're constantly being left out, it could be a sign to speak up. Bring up your concerns with your friend group and see if you can figure out a solution together. If the friendship doesn't seem like it can be saved, this might be a good opportunity to take a step back and keep seeking out new friends instead.

*But* if you love your OG friend group, then def hold on to them! You're allowed to have friends outside of your main crew, and your besties should understand that (but feel free to talk it out with them, too). Be sure to still make time for your friend group (translation: keep those monthly sleepovers going strong) while seeing where your newer friendships take you. It's basically the best of both worlds! 

Follow us on IG @girlslifemag for more BFF content!

Want more friendship advice? Check out these posts:
💛 How to tell if you're outgrowing a friendship
💛 How to make friends in a totally new place
💛 How to talk to your friends when they hurt your feelings

Top and slider image: @alexabrutus

by Maggie Salter | 4/26/2024