Make Friends Easily if You're a Teen

Many people find it hard to make friends. It really is not! All it takes is for you to get out of your shell and remember that if you love yourself, others will too. Especially being a teen, making friends can be hard or easy depending upon several factors.

Steps

  1. Relax. It's all about confidence - if you are nervous or try too hard to look cool you'll just act weird, so you won't make many friends. You will stand out as overdoing something. You have to act like you have had plenty of friends in the past so even the 'cool' ones will want to speak to you. You have to think of good reasons of why someone would like to meet you, think of the virtues you have. So relax, people will like you for passing a peaceful energy.
  2. Make the first move. Don't be shy, it won't help you in anything. Look around for someone that seems interesting, then relax and go up to talk to them. Say hello, give them your name if they don't know your name already, ask how they are and just meet them. If you know a bit about them, for example, the person likes crafts, you can talk about that. A good subject to talk about to anyone is music, because almost everybody likes music, you can ask someone what kind of music they like and start a cool conversation with them and even find things in common. Sitting shy in a corner distances you from everyone else. Become more outgoing. Other topics could be movies or sports. Try not to get deep when you are first meeting somebody. Steer clear from stuff like politics, religion, relationship problems and drama, etc.
  3. Be nice. How do you expect them to like you if you are not nice? Put a calm smile on your face and find out what you and the person you are trying to befriend have in common. You'll be able to be more comfortable if you find out that other person has things in common with you.
  4. Be a good listener. Give attention to what they say, look straight in their eyes and show you're paying attention. Nod, agree, show you find that is interesting. It's important to be a good listener, because everyone likes to be heard, and if this person feels like you're listening to them, your new friend will enjoy your company more.
  5. Be yourself. You've probably heard it a lot of times, but no one really likes a poseur - people would like the real you better for your virtues, not a fake person no one really knows. For example, if you really lived the "thug life" and had it tough, you can easily be a gangsta. But if you are just trying to act a certain way or to be tougher than you really are, you should give it up. So just be you, speak your mind, that way people will enjoy being around you a lot more and feel comfortable that you're not trying to deceive them or are moving so fast that they can't keep up (being fake, trying to change what you truly are in a short period of time). Be yourself and you will get people that like you for you. If they don't like you for being yourself, then it is time to move on to someone else. Be natural, be the way that you were born to be... You were put on Earth for some purpose and to show it off.
  6. Develop friendships. You may talk to someone now but soon they'll forget you if you stop. Take time to say hi to them everyday and ask how are they doing. Say their name as often as you can, like every once every 3-5 sentences you say, unless you know it would seem awkward. When you greet them, say things like, "Hey Alex!", "What you doing, Sarah?", "What's up, Miranda?" If you do that everyday, they'll be happy that you care about them and remembered them, so they won't forget you and you guys will be good friends.
  7. Include those friends in your social life. Invite your new friends to go out together with you, go to mall or hang out at a cool place. You guys must have fun together, so you can introduce your new friends to old friends and build your social circle from there, with people that accept each other and respect you.

Tips

  • Don't try too hard, relax and be yourself - they will like you.
  • Get your new friend's phone number, e-mail addresses and give them yours; keep in touch.
  • Smile! People are drawn to happy, positive people!
  • Have fun with your new friends; but don't forget old friends.
  • Stop thinking you are not cool enough to talk to them. They will have good reasons to want to talk to you after they meet you - think of your virtues!
  • Make eye contact.
  • If you know someone who is starting to be mean, even if they don't realise it, try to find a new friend. Don't just ignore them completely, just keep them at arms length. Be nice - they can still be your friend, but just remember what they are like.
  • Be truthful about who you are. If for no other reason, remember that eventually you may let it slip that you misled your friends, causing them to mistrust and/or leave you.

Warnings

  • Remember that not everyone is a true friend! So watch your back and don't trust everyone you meet.
  • Don't spread rumors. This will just break friendships and make people think you're a jerk.
  • Don't try too hard to impress a certain group only because they have high status - it's a lot better to meet people for who they are, not for what they have.
  • Take time to make sure they are true friends, not ones that would blab out all your secrets, things that can embarrass you, or draw unwanted kinds of attention towards you.
  • Don't just walk up to someone and start telling them all your problems. Some people will think it is weird. Just give them enough information to contact you and consider you as a friend.
  • Take it slowly; friendships normally do not form overnight.
  • With friends, it's quality over quantity. Making one or two best friends is usually enough.
  • If one friendship doesn't work out don't be afraid to start a new one. Over time you should be involved in an awesome friendship. If you fall just try, try, and try again.
  • Be friendly, but don't be too friendly. Not all people are nice and some can try to take advantage of you. Don't be afraid to show your decisions, don't pity time over time for the same person. It's a sign that they may be trying to make you their pet.

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