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A great way to make friends is by joining an activity within your community. You can join a local non-profit or civic organization to meet new people. another option is to join a community outreach group at your local Church. These options get you out in the community and meeting people with like interests. You already know you have some things in common with this group of people, because you have joined the same group or organization and have the same goals. If you know the people you are meeting love to volunteer, it will be much easier to strike up a conversation with them. Volunteering and helping in your community can give you a sense of pride. It will help boost your confidence, so you are more relaxed around this new group of people.

Do look for people with common interests, however, don't count out those who do not share every interest with you. Remember, opposites attract, and someone with differing opinions than you can be just as good a friend. That friendship might even be more interesting.

Look at the body language of those you meet. If you can identify someone that is having trouble making new friends, as well, that is a great place to start if you are a shy person. Making just one connection will help both of you feel comfortable enough to join 3 or 4 others already talking; whereas, you may not be as comfortable doing so alone.

You may also want to vary your routine. This will get you out of your comfort zone, and make you more aware of your surroundings and the people around you. If you go to the same coffee shop or restaurant, your new best friend may be right around the corner and you have no idea. Make eye contact with and say hello to the person in the booth next to you who is also reading the craft and antique magazine.

Once you have made a few connections with this new group of people, make not of those you are interested in, and you think will make a good friend. Talk one-on-one with them and find out their phone number. Don't be afraid to ask if they would like to hang out sometime or car pool to the next event, with which, the group is involved. Invite them over to a barbecue and introduce them to your spouse and kids.

To maintain and nourish that new friendship, be sure to stay in contact. Don't meet this nice new friend, then ditch them after a few months. Although at the same time, don't overwhelm this new friend with a barrage of phone calls. You do not want to pressure them. If the desire for a friendship is mutual, it will happen.

Learn more about this author, Shelley Tounzen.
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