Maybe you’ve just moved to a new city, started a new job, or switched schools—life’s always throwing changes our way. And now you’re wondering, “How do I actually make friends?” As the saying goes, humans are social creatures (or something like that). In search of some social interaction, you’ve probably scrolled through Instagram, watched countless TikToks, but somehow, making friends still feels harder than finding a parking spot downtown.
I remember going to this party with a friend, and the moment we walked in, he said, “Hey Cynthia, I’m gonna go check things out. Call me when you’re about to leave.” Just like that, I realized I’d be on my own all night. Everyone else was already in their little groups, laughing and having a great time, while I stood there awkwardly sipping my drink and pretending to text. We’ve all been there, haven’t we?
But, spoiler alert—I ended up making a few friends that night (yay!). Here’s what I learned from that experience, along with some tips I’ve gathered from friends and coworkers. So if you’re still wondering how to make friends, let me share five fun ways to help you out. Let’s dive in!
Slide Into Conversations, Not Just DMs
Look, everyone’s nervous about talking to new people, even if they don’t show it. Start with something simple, like, “Hey, I love those sneakers! Where’d you get them?” or “What’s your favorite coffee spot around here?” People love talking about themselves, and before you know it, you’re not strangers anymore. Think of it as sliding into someone’s DMs but in real life. Just keep it chill, and boom, you’re in!
Join Stuff That Feels Like You
One word: Vibes. Find activities or groups that vibe with who you are—whether it’s a yoga class, book club, team sports, a work event, or even an online gaming community. When you’re surrounded by people who love what you love, friendships just happen naturally. You’ll have common ground, like that anime you’re both obsessed with or your mutual love for spicy ramen. Shared passions = instant connections.
Be Bold (But Don’t Go Full Creeper)
If you’re vibing with someone, don’t be afraid to take the next step. Ask them to hang out! It doesn’t have to be a big deal—something as simple as, “Hey, wanna grab coffee sometime?” works wonders. People appreciate it when someone else makes the first move—just don’t go overboard and hit them with stalker-level intensity. If they say yes, awesome. If not, no biggie—making friends is a bit like dating; sometimes it clicks, sometimes it doesn’t.
Listen More Than You Talk
Here’s the secret sauce—friendships are a two-way street. You can’t just be the one talking all the time and never listening. When you actually show interest in what other people have to say, they’ll want to hang out with you more. So, don’t just wait for your turn to speak—actually listen. Ask them, “Wow, how did that make you feel?” or “Tell me more about that.” It shows that you care, and trust me, people love when you care.
Embrace the Awkwardness
Let’s be real: things are going to get awkward sometimes. Meeting new people can feel like a weird first date, and that’s totally okay. Instead of shying away from it, just roll with the awkwardness. Laugh it off, embrace the cringe, and soon enough, it won’t feel as weird. Once you realize that everyone else is just as nervous as you are, breaking the ice becomes a breeze. So, be patient, be open, and let those friendships grow.
