7 Ways to Make Friends and Maintain Relationships

As busy as life can get, friendships can easily fall by the wayside. But, research shows us that friendships are more than frivolous fun. In good times and bad, strong friendships make life better. Especially in the past couple of years, loyal friends have been a lifeline when the world feels out of balance. I believe that friends who bring joy to your doorstep when you’re feeling under the weather are worth their weight in gold.

Making new friends and strengthening connections with existing friends offers many physical, mental and emotional benefits. Studies have shown that the quality of people’s social lives impacts their overall health and longevity. Meeting new friends requires effort, and so does maintaining existing relationships. Sometimes a new approach or some helpful reminders makes all the difference.

Here are 7 ways to forge new friendships and boost your existing bonds.

How To Make Friends and Maintain Relationships

Reach Out First and Say Yes When Asked

Take note of who is already in your social circles, either at work, your place of worship, the gym, in your neighborhood or at your children’s activities. Consider acquaintances you would like to know better and invite them to join you on a walk, for coffee or lunch. If someone invites you to a backyard BBQ, a happy hour, a card night or neighborhood party, say yes. Attend even if it’s slightly outside your comfort zone. You just may meet some new people, and at a minimum, you’ll practice making new acquaintances.

Join a Group

A great way to meet others who share your interests is by taking classes or participating in group activities dedicated to one of your interests. For example, if you enjoy crafting, look for a club or class in your community. If you love walking in nature, find a local hiking group. Are you a bookworm? Check your local library or bookstore for book clubs. If you’re an entrepreneur, take note of organizations that offer networking or development for business owners. In addition to in-person groups, follow groups online that share your interests and look for meet-up opportunities.

Reciprocate

If someone invited you to a social event, show your gratitude by asking them to get together for another experience. You don’t have to replicate the first outing. For example, if someone had you over for a home-cooked meal and you aren’t comfortable in the kitchen, instead invite them to lunch or dinner (and pick up the tab as a thank you) or ask them to be your guest at a local theatre performance or concert. Find something you both enjoy and make an experience out of it. Go to an art class or a cooking class you both are interested in attending. Whatever your interest, there’s bound to be an opportunity to pursue it with other like-minded people.

Get Involved With an Organization or Volunteer Your Time

Put yourself in surroundings where you see other people consistently, working towards a common goal or worthy cause. Making friends with people who share your dedication to make this world better, or life easier for others is a win-win. You are meeting new people and doing good at the same time. When you volunteer in your community, you not only get the rewarding feeling that comes from contributing, you also put yourself in a situation where you might meet kindred spirits. Whether your passion is animals, the environment, the arts or helping those less fortunate, there are countless non-profit organizations that would benefit from your time.

Small Efforts Matter

One of the biggest hurdles to stronger friendships is time. While investing your time in another person is necessary, there are fast, easy ways to reach out. Pass along an email with a link to an article or podcast you think they will enjoy. Send a short text to ask how their day is going or share a funny meme. While these aren’t substitutes for more meaningful time spent together, briefly touching base lets the other person know you’re thinking of them.

A beautiful orchid and a favorite tea from a friend lifted my spirits just when I needed some sunshine.

Reconnect

It’s not uncommon to lose touch with people as life takes different paths with relationships, school, children and professional obligations. Make a list of people you are interested in reconnecting with and find an outlet to reach out, and let them know you want to re-establish the relationship. Interestingly, you may have had a falling out with a particular friend that you find you are now missing. Don’t hesitate to message them or give them a call and let them know you are thinking about them and would like to meet them for coffee or tea. What may have been annoying at one time can be forgiven with a period of distance.

Grow Your Friendships

Just like plants need water and sunlight to flourish, friendships require time and attention to thrive. When you invest your time into a friendship, you show the other person you value them and are interested in their well-being. Just like plants, friendships need to be fed, watered, nurtured, talked to, moved out of the sun when it gets too hot, repotted and loved. Plants and flowers bring so much joy to their owner, and a positive outlook, friendly demeanor and genuine concern for others are the secret ingredients to making strong and long-lasting connections.

You won’t click with everyone, but with some patience and perseverance, you will find a tribe of kindred spirits that will enrich your life and bring the same value you offer to them.

For more inspiration around how to make friends, you may also like Connecting With Others In This Social Distanced, Digital World. Be sure to check out The Protocol School of Texas. Read Diane’s posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.