Live a better life through community

Making new friends can sometimes be disappointing if plans never materialize or you don’t quite click with someone.

 

Don’t take it personally if someone appears indifferent to your attempts at forming a friendship. There are many reasons why others may not seem interested that have nothing to do with you. For example, many people are not good at making plans, returning calls or emails or are just too busy or preoccupied to commit to a new friendship. This has nothing to do with you and everything to do with their lives.

 

If someone says “no” to hanging out the first time you ask, that may not mean “no” the next time you ask. Consider making more than one attempt at getting together with someone before throwing in the towel. If that person is not responding to your efforts, it’s okay—time to focus your energy elsewhere. At the very least, you have gained experience and put yourself out there for when the person is ready to be your friend.

 

It is easy to get excited about someone as a potential friend when you are invited to meet their group of friends. Sometimes though you may find that you do not click with their group or you feel like an outsider. Give the group a few chances so they have time to warm up to you and to get to know you.

 

Be persistent and try not to get discouraged by setbacks. Friendships take time to build and not everyone you meet is meant to be your friend right away. It is important to keep the focus on your efforts; the more you try to make friends, the more likely you will succeed.