Dear Dish-it: How do I Make New Friends?

Dear Dish-it,

I got no friends in the outside world. There are no kids on my street older than seven! I don’t wanna turn into a weirdo at the computer all day!!!

T

Make New Friends

Dear T,

Making new friends is easier than you think, even if you get nervous around new people or feel uncomfortable in strange situations – that’s totally normal! Everyone feels that way – really, everyone. Just keep that in mind and you’ll soon realize that everyone can relate to what how you’re feeling when you’re trying to make new friends.

Be Your Friendly Self

Not convinced? Try to think of every new situation you find yourself in – from going to a summer day camp to signing up for swimming lessons to taking a trip to the library – as an opportunity to meet someone new. Smile, be friendly to everyone you meet and, before you know it, you’ll likely have a new friend or two – or more than you can count!

Five Simple Steps

Want to make new friends? Try these five simple steps:

1. Be a friend: The surest way to make a friend is to be a friend – especially the kind of friend you’d like to have. Want to hang out with fun, caring, and thoughtful people? Be that way yourself!
2. Stay positive: Want to spend time with someone whose fun? Who wouldn't! So keep things light and fun yourself. Not having a good day? Poke fun at your troubles. Just missed a pitch, or fell trying to do a handstand in gym? Laugh! Others will laugh with – not at – you.
3. Develop an interest: Like sports? Dance or theater? Drawing or painting? Chess or other games? Check out the after-school clubs offered in your area. You'll find others who like what you like and making friends with them won't be hard.
4. Take the first step: When you see new people, be brave and take the first step. Break the ice, smile, and introduce yourself. Find out something about them: what they like to do? Do they have a pet? Brothers or sisters? Before you know do it, you'll be talking up a storm.
5. Share the wealth: Good friends share everything: stories, experiences, games, magazines, books – sometimes they even share lunch! Doing stuff together builds friendships.

What’s Your Advice?

Got advice on how T can make some new friends? Sound off by leaving your comment below!

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