The question I get asked most often is how to make new friends. And it’s a good question because it’s an important one. I’m not talking about making friends with people who can be useful to you professionally, like your boss or your accountant. I’m talking about making real, deep friendships with people you enjoy spending time with.
STEP 1: Make New Friends Who Share Similar Interests
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people try to make friends in completely different ways. They want to find friends who share their interests.
This is a mistake. When you spend time with someone, you don’t just learn from them; you also pick up things from them that you might not have learned otherwise. You might pick up something about their personality, or you might pick up something about the world.
STEP 2: Spend Time With People You Enjoy Being Around
You know you’re doing it when you’re hanging out with someone you don’t really like. It’s not that you’re trying to force them to be your friend, but you’re finding yourself hanging out with them anyway.
STEP 3: Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
If you want to make new friends, you need to get out of your comfort zone. The best way to do this is to do things you normally don’t do. This means going to places you haven’t been, learning new hobbies, and trying new activities.