How to Make More Friends to Call and Hang Out With

Feeling lonely and longing for deeper connections with people? It's not your fault. Many factors contribute to the difficulty of meeting new friends and it's not just about being outgoing. Here's why, and how you can turn the tables and build a stronger network of friends.

Why It’s Not Your Fault If You Can’t Meet Interesting New Friends

There are several reasons why you may be struggling to meet new and interesting friends:

Your parents didn’t teach you to make friends as an adult. Adult social skills are quite different from those of children. Meeting new people is a step out of your comfort zone. You may feel emotionally threatened, and changing this is not easy. General advice is often too broad to apply. You need specific steps and clear strategies for meeting and making friends with great people.

Having the right friends can significantly enhance your quality of life. Great friends allow you to share life stories, learn new things, and have fun on weekends, trips, and adventures. There's no need to settle for a lonely and dull existence when you know better.

How to Meet New People Quickly

Here are six steps to simplify the process:

Choose a subject, interest, hobby, or sport you love. This could be anything from reading to sports to photography. Find forums or meetup groups related to that subject. Utilize platforms like Meetup, Reddit, or Facebook groups to find local or online groups. Select interest groups that meet regularly to discuss the subject. Regular meetings can help you build a routine and deepen connections. Attend their meetings. Showing up consistently is key to building relationships. Talk about your journey. Share how you started to love the subject, how often you engage in it, and even mention people who are also passionate about it. Explore additional conversation topics. Diversify your conversations to keep things interesting and varied.

If you find it hard to choose a subject, consider the interest groups in your area and select one or two that seem the most appealing. Remember, the goal is to talk to as many people as you feel comfortable with. This approach can help you meet new people quickly and efficiently.

Crucial Piece: Creating a Strong Bond

Even after following the steps above, some people may still struggle to create lasting friendships. This is because having one commonality with someone is not enough. You need two commonalities to create a true bond.

When attending social gatherings, look for additional commonalities with the people you meet, beyond the subject of the gathering:

Find out what other interests they have. Discuss shared experiences or goals. Explore other hobbies or activities you both enjoy.

The formula for a potential friendship is:

First Commonality Second Commonality Potential Friendship

Many people mistakenly believe they need just one commonality to create a friendship. When they meet interesting people, they can become frustrated and lonely if they can't make friends. Now that you know this crucial tip, you can take steps to build stronger friendships and find the friends you want.