by Jenna Pope

Created on: January 27, 2010   Last Updated: January 29, 2010

Because of my dad’s job, growing up, we moved a lot.   But I adapted.  In fact, I remember when I was five-years old going door-to-door in my one of my new neighborhoods, asking if – living there at each house – were any little girls between the ages of four and six!  How I came up with that spiel, I’ll never know.  But even today – over fifty years later – I can still remember.

Because of all of my “real-life” practice, I pretty much perfected my own system of making friends.   It’s actually quite easy, and I will share it with you now:

1.  Join Up:

The best way of scoping out potential friends is to join a club, neighborhood association, church group, work softball team, or community knitting circle type of activity.   There, you will find a ready-made group of people that you have something in common with.

2.  Become a Committee Member:

As an adult, anyone I served with on a committee, I became “bonded” with.  Once, at a new church, I joined the Kids’ Christmas Program Committee and ended up with several buddies after the program was over.  We wrote the Christmas play together, made costumes together, and – during the process – got to know each other a lot better.  After the Christmas season, the women in that group still got together to socialize and have fun.  Nothing promotes bonding more than working together on a common project.

3.  Help Someone in a Bad Situation:

Do you know someone going to divorce court or chemotherapy or some other ordeal?  Volunteer to “ride-along” and sit with the person while they are at their dreaded event or appointment.  The person will probably very much appreciate it.  There are times when we simply need an ally or an ombudsman to help us navigate our way through rough waters.  Be that special person and make a friend for life.

4.  Take Classes:

If you are new to a community, sign up for a couple of college, community or adult education classes.  You will meet other people with similar interests.  If you are doing well, offer to tutor another student free of charge.  Your time investment in that person’s life will not go unrewarded.  You will have gained a friend after the semester is over.  When the person you tutored offers to reimburse you for your efforts, tell her, “No, just do

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