"I Have No Friends" Say No More – Your Guide on How to Make Friends
According to reports, the average adult has a total of 40 friends including five work friends, four close buddies, and two besties. However, it isn’t uncommon for some people to have no friends, which is why ‘I have no friends’ is a commonly searched term on the internet.
We all want friends but some of them struggle due to past experiences, privacy, and other such reasons.
Some of us enjoy living a life without being surrounded by friends but many of us yearn for friendship or people who make us feel special. Living without friends can make people feel sad and lonely, which is why it is important to know how to make friends.
Why Is It Important to Have Friends?
You must have seen several movies based on friendship. They paint a very true picture since friends make us feel happy and excited. However, that’s not the only benefit of having friends.
Let’s have a look at some more reasons why you should consider making new friends:
They Help Us Fight Stress
Those who have friends tend to produce fewer stress hormones and hence are happier. Moreover, it’s believed that those who have friends also tend to be happier and face fewer medical issues.
Friends Keep Us Motivated
Positive friends can install confidence in us and motivate us to do better in life. This is why it is important to be friends with people who are career oriented and positive.
Can Help Your Career
Believe it or not, friends can help you in your studies and career by allowing you to network, find new opportunities, and learn the art of succeeding in life.
Just because you have no friends today, doesn’t mean you will never have friends.
Going to someone and saying stuff like ‘I have no friends’ will not do you much good. They may even find you strange if you behave like this.
Again, why you do not have friends depends on a variety of reasons including your nature and life choices. For example, it is natural to have no friends if you moved to a new country or city.
It can take you time to get to know new people and make new connections. So, give it some time and things will begin to fall into place.
How to Make Friends: 5 Things to Remember
Gregarious individuals can easily break barriers and make new friends. However, it can be a battle for those who are shy or introverts.
You do not have to change yourself to make friends but you can try a few tricks to get things moving.
Let’s have a look at some tips on how to make new friends:
1. Take Part in Sports and Other Such Activities
A very good way to make new friends is to take part in group activities. If you go to school or college then you can easily be a part of a group for studies. However, it can be tricky for those who do not have such activities.
Such people can turn to office buddies or look for friends at the gym or club. People who share the same habits are more likely to develop a friendship, hence it’s important to look for people who share the same hobbies as you do.
2. Initiate and Continue a Conversation
There is no harm in breaking the ice so be brave and initiate a conversation if you’re interested in being friends with someone. While friendships come naturally, you may have to put in a little effort if you want things to go in the right direction.
We understand if you’re shy, but you will have to let things go and mingle with others. Do not say no to events or parties and make it a point to share your opinion with others.
It may be a good idea to work on your communication skills including humor. Think about what you can discuss with others. Avoid talking about personal things or asking private questions unless you are close to someone.
It’s best to discuss general things such as food, sports, or your life in your old neighborhood.
3. Be Helpful and Nice
People like to be friends with those who are helpful and nice, hence make it a point to be welcoming towards people. Greetings friends with a smile, for example, can do wonders. Similarly, offering help can also do the trick.
You do not have to go out of your way to make things happen. Let it be natural and people will begin to notice you.
4. Not Everyone’s Gonna Be Your Friend
Remember that not everyone you approach would be interested in being a friend. Some people are private and some do not like to make new friends. Do not let rejection dishearten you, instead focus on people you feel are more likely to be your friends.
5. Don’t Come Too Strong
Nobody likes people who come too strong. Know when to apply brakes and never force yourself on others. You should give it some time and not rush into things.
Experts believe that it takes about 60 hours to make a casual friend. This goes to about 100 hours for friend-friend, and more than 200 hours for a close friend. However, these cannot be work or study hours, it’s leisure time that counts. You must spend time with people outside to be able to know them better and be friends.
Conclusion
This is all that you need to know about making friends. The key lies in being nice, taking part in activities, approaching people in a nice manner, and giving it some time. However, remember that not all friends are good friends.
You must be able to differentiate between good and bad friends if you want to enjoy the perks of friendship.
