How To Make Friends: Starting From Zero Connections

If that resonates with you, I have some tips to help you start conversations with confidence. Great starters don’t require charm or a silver tongue. Whether you’re networking, flirting, or just passing time in a queue, the right words at the right time open the door to something more meaningful.

Networking Email Templates To Make Virtual Connections Easier

• A Digital 2022 Global Overview Report found that humans will collectively spend 12.5 trillion minutes online in 2022, or an average of seven hours per person every day.
• But for many, the idea of striking up a conversation—especially with someone new—feels daunting.
• The theme of the event makes it easy to ask these questions without getting into a boring interview-style conversation.
• Perhaps there are people you already know who you feel could be a potential friend.

Mention that they gave a great online presentation at a conference or you appreciated their post in a forum. Avoid sending a message that’s too direct, or you might come off as arrogant, not confident. Acknowledge that you’re reaching out of the blue, explain why you want to speak with them, and thank them for their time. Once you find someone to talk to, look at their profile for potential icebreakers. They might mention a favorite movie or TV show or have a photo of a foreign city you’ve visited. Regardless of the platform you use, make sure your profile reflects who you are.

Friendship is no different and is built around a series of honest moments of vulnerability and sharing. Creating space to meet people in person and make new friends as we move from one place to another becomes increasingly challenging — which is why we’re here to help. Maybe you’re looking to deepen a relationship with a coworker you’ve never met before.

These environments provide natural conversation starters and shared experiences that pave the way for deeper connections. Developing social skills is essential for making and maintaining friendships. Start with practicing conversation starters, hone your active listening, and pay attention to body language. These skills will help you feel more confident in engaging with others and forming connections.

• Networking Events

Just like dating apps changed relationships, platforms like Bumble BFF, Hey! VINA, and local Facebook groups are designed to help adults meet friends in their area. They’re a great way to connect with people in the same season of life. Laughter is one of the best ways to bond with friends.

For example, “When did you last cry in front of another person? ”—anticipated as the second least enjoyable topic—was, in practice, highly enjoyable to discuss. And yet, most people avoid initiating conversations due to fear of rejection or https://asian-feels.com/ awkwardness.

How To Make Friends: Starting From Zero Connections

You’re not just collecting acquaintances; you’re building a network of allies who support your quest for freedom. Remember, building friendships is not about the quantity but the quality of connections. It’s about finding people who resonate with our values, share our interests, and enrich our experiences. According to psychologist Leanne Hall, the anonymity that social networking allows makes it easier for us to be more vulnerable and ultimately leads to more meaningful connections.

When we are in a positive state of mind, our attitude and energy can draw others towards us, often leading to new relationships. This positivity is not just about being happy; it’s about maintaining a healthy mental state that allows us to be open, engaging, and receptive to others. Your path to making friends isn’t a race; it’s a journey best traveled at your own pace. When you’re open, you tell others it’s safe for them to do the same. You’re not just seeking friends; you’re inviting them into a space where freedom and authenticity flourish.

One study by Brooks and her colleagues found that apologies make us seem more trustworthy. When people apologized for the rain (a “superfluous” apology) before asking a stranger to borrow their phone, 47% said yes—compared to 9% without an apology. In other experiments, they found that people who make these superfluous apologies for traffic or bad luck are also seen as more likable.

They might come off as boring, intrusive, or disingenuous—and often stop a conversation before it begins. Your first words influence whether the discussion becomes superficial, transactional, or truly meaningful. OK, so you’ve got some know-how on how to make friends.