More and more people are reporting smaller social networks, isolation is on the rise, and ongoing research demonstrates the many health risks of loneliness. Strong social connections are crucial, and if you find yourself without enough friends to count on, it is time to make new ones. Anna Miller, in an article on loneliness, offers five practical ways to make more friends.
1. Make yourself familiar
Any introduction to psychology textbook will speak to the phenomenon that people like what they find familiar. If you feel shy about meeting new people, it will become easier when they are not so new anymore. By sticking to a routine in your life when it comes to social surroundings, for example, going to the same class at your gym every week, "strangers" will no longer seem strange to you, and you will become more familiar to them. It then will not be so hard to meet new people, because they will be old and familiar.
2. Open up
Vulnerability breeds closeness. When you have deeper and more intimate conversations with people, you will form stronger ties. Of course, it does not make sense to share your deepest secret to the stranger in line with you at the post office, but once you start to trust someone and get to know them, take a risk and share a secret. You will likely begin to enjoy a budding friendship.
3. Mind your thoughts
Vulnerability breeds closeness. When you have deeper and more intimate conversations with people, you will form stronger ties. Of course, it does not make sense to share your deepest secret to the stranger in line with you at the post office, but once you start to trust someone and get to know them, take a risk and share a secret. You will likely begin to enjoy a budding friendship.
4. Be careful of the internet
If you are someone who already has a strong social network, the internet and social media may actually support the health of your relationships. If, however, you are struggling with loneliness, social media sites like Facebook can make your loneliness worse. While supplementing your friendships outside the internet with technology may be good for them them, if your only friendships are virtual, you may want to spend some time meeting people in person.
5. Do what feels right
Cacioppo has found that loneliness is most damaging when people really feel the effects of it. If you find yourself with limited friendships but are not starving for more, there is no need to push the issue. Do what makes you happy. Even though we are a social species, everyone has different needs for social connection.
Source: Miller, A. (2014)
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