I’ve been writing plenty about how to clear out all the toxic friends from your life. But then you have no friends. In a prior post, I listed 13 ways to make new friends. John Grohol of Psych Central just published 10 more ways. To get to his post, click here. I have excerpted it below….
No matter what method you try, making new friends requires something I can’t give you in this article — courage. It takes courage to go out and actually take a leap of faith by introducing yourself to someone new and taking a chance you may be rejected. That’s why smaller groups are almost always easier — you can figure out who might make a good friend in such group situations.
1. Join a local Meetup (or start your own).
Meetup is a website that seems like it’s been around forever (but has really only been around since 2001). It allows you to join local groups meeting in your community on hundreds of different topics of interest — from hobbies, to careers or vocational, to entertainment or just shared interests. In another time, these may have been referred to simply as hobbyist groups, but the site allows people to meet for virtually any reason. There were 1,441 groups in the greater Boston area, on topics ranging from hiking, night life, poker, entrepreneurs, and movies, among many, many others.
2. Join a bowling league.
Bowling not your thing? Any team sport will do, whether it be your company’s softball league, fantasy football league, or yeah, even a bowling league. Sound corny? Maybe it is, but it’s a tried and true method that millions have used for decades.
3. Take Facebook to the next level.
Sure, we all have lots of friends on Facebook or another social networking site. But maybe your virtual friends lack giving you that something extra or special thing that meets your needs. That’s understandable, because while online friendships can be just as rewarding and intimate as face-to-face friends, they don’t satisfy all of our face-to-face needs always (and not everyone finds online friendships as satisfying). But you can build upon your online friendships with the ones who are geographically close by suggesting shared activities you can do together locally. It could be as simple as getting a cup of coffee together or seeing a movie together. Even if you’re not close by, some people find talking to another person on the phone is also more rewarding, and a simple way to bump up your Facebook friends to the next level.
4. Consider your favorite religion.
Whether you’re a member of a church, temple, parish or some other religious group, most religions share one thing in common — a sense of building their own community and strengthening internal ties to one another. Some churches seem to operate more as one large extended family than anything, while in other churches you may feel like nobody seems to even socialize with one another outside of service. But they all likely have social groups or other kinds of volunteer groups that you can join, meet other like-minded individuals, and maybe make a new friend or two.
5. Learn something new.
There’s no quicker way to meet new people than to show up in a group of people who are all new to the same thing! For instance, learning any new skill (even if it means take a short class on it at the local community college) usually means you’ll be hooked up with others who are also learning it at the same time. Can it be scary or intimidating? Sure, you bet. But you’re sharing the experience with other strangers, and that’s a sure recipe for bringing people closer together.
6. Enjoy something you already do.
If you already rock in rock climbing or can knit yourself an entire winter wardrobe, maybe you’re just doing it wrong — alone. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite hobby in solitude. But if you want to meet new people and perhaps make a new friend, you can also use your expertise in that hobby as a stepping stone toward your friendship goal. Go on a rock climbing adventure with others, or join a knitting club and add socializing to your hobby repertoire.
7. Volunteer some more.
Yes, I know Therese covered this one, but I’m going to say it again because I can’t emphasize it enough. People who volunteer their time already share something in common with other volunteers — they’re giving people who want to help others in some small way. There are so many organizations to volunteer with — from your local historical society to a nearby town’s food bank — you really have your pick of choices. Even if you do it just once a month, you’re likely to meet a wealth of new people, and a possible friend who shares your enjoyment of giving back to others.
Thank you, Therese for this article. I don't have a problem with having to get rid of toxic friends, because I tend to be so choosy with who I let into my life. I don't seem to allow many people very much of my time. Intent was the first online socializing that I had ever done and I have made some true, wonderful friends from India to Ireland (I live in Florida, US). My life has been enriched because of these "virtual" friends, some of whom I have exchanged phone numbers with and have enjoyed knowing them so much. I wonder, has it been easier somehow for me to make connections with people through writing to them first? I have always been a shy person, not always so confident in meetings with people face to face. Perhaps this (and Facebook) have made it easier for this introvert to show herself to others.
Anyway, my life is happier because of these loving friends and I am very grateful.
Gayle
(Bodhirose)
Well, you can go find other job mate. There must be something you enjoy doing better. vessel sinks
A lot more people will sign up for this. I think we should have more freedom on what we want to do. Lamborghini rental Miami and Escalade rentals Miami
That's good and I think you should do it. Make it real. Be the one to change them all. Many people, including me, would love to see the result. Wii Controller
An appropriate dating agency for disabled people can be located through organisations for the disabled as well as the Internet and facilities like the yellow pages. Apart from general agencies there are also those that cater to a specific disability like multiple sclerosis (MS), physical disabilities, visual or hearing impairments.
In many countries, introduction and marriage bureaus require certification from a regulatory body. This ensures that the agency follows certain standard rules and does not cheat its clients with slipshod services. In the UK for example, The Association of British introduction agency, sets the standards to be followed by introduction agencies and marriage bureaus.
A dating agency for disabled people that inspires confidence in its members and provides support can go a long way in changing lives.