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will eventually respond to your overtures of friendship, so give them a little time to come round.

It can take just a smile and a few words to start the conversation rolling. It can be an offer of an umbrella in rainy weather or a cup of coffee made for a busy colleague. Nice gestures like this show that you are a caring person and worth getting to know.

If you have moved to a new area or you are starting a new job or college, then it can be very difficult to make the first move. You feel like you are a fish out of water and may lack confidence. The trick is to force yourself to stand forward and just introduce yourself.

You will often find that if you are the first person to do this, then other people will follow suite often relieved that they haven't had to make the first move.

Friendships are often formed initially on mutual interests. You won't meet anyone moping about indoors, so why not join a local sports club or get involved with various groups connected to work or college? By keeping an active interest in what you enjoy doing will give you something to talk about at a later date.

When you do find yourself in conversation, keep the discussion light hearted and take an active interest in what the other is saying by asking open ended questions. Avoid simply using words such as yes and no and maybe. Having the ability to "click" with someone is achieved by relating in a personal way to what the other person is saying. Good communication and understanding go a long way to making friends more easily.

Making friends takes time and a little patience. You may meet a lot of people before you find that special someone whom you can feel at ease, and talk comfortably with. Have but have a little faith. You are a really nice person and someone out there who you have yet to meet is going to think you are great! You wait and see ...

Learn more about this author, Jane Allyson.
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