How to Make Friends - For Teens
Making friends can be tough when you're a teenager. You're going through so many changes in your life, and it's hard to find people who understand what you're going through. If you're looking for some ideas on how to make friends, you've come to the right place! Below are ideas for teens on how to make friends.
Identifying Potential Friends.
It is important first to identify whether or not someone is a potential friend. This means that they actually like you, and it's not just that they are nice to you because they don't want to be rude.
The best way to tell if someone is a potential friend is by hanging out with them on weekends. This gives you a chance to get to know each other better and see if they are people that you want as friends. Friendship is one of the most beautiful things in life. When people are friends, they can understand each other better and support each other when needed.
Join a club or activity that interests you.
Joining a club or activity that interests you is a good way to meet people who have similar hobbies and interests as you. You can find clubs and activities in the community such as Scouts, at church, or online through sites like Meetup.com. When looking for activities/clubs to join, think about what interests you most! Some examples may be:
Cooking
Music (instrumental & vocal)
Art (painting & drawing)
Theatre and film production
Joining clubs or activities that interest you is a good way to make friends because it allows you to meet people with similar interests.
Smile and be friendly - people are more likely to want to be friends with someone who seems happy and positive.
Smiling is a great way to show that you're friendly and approachable. When someone sees you smile, they will be more likely to talk to you. Be sure to smile at everyone, not just people you want to be friends with. This will make people feel more comfortable around you and will make it easier for them to become friends with you.
Make conversation.
When you first meet someone, don't just stand there! Start a conversation by asking them about themselves. This is a great way to get to know someone, and it can be really fun too. Try not to focus on yourself too much, though - ask them questions and listen carefully to their answers.
This will help you to build a friendship with that person. They will appreciate that you took an interest in them, and they will be more likely to want to be friends with you.
Be yourself - don't try to be someone you're not to fit in.
Being yourself is the most important thing. You need to be able to like yourself and be contented. If you don't, how do you expect others to?
If you are trying too hard to fit in or impress someone, I guarantee they won't like you as much once they find out who the real you. It's better that they get to know who you are right away, so it doesn't come as a shock later.
Being yourself will help you make friends that like you for who you are and not who you pretend to be. So, go out and be yourself! You will find that being genuine and authentic is the key to making friends that last a lifetime.
Drop a quick compliment.
Many people like being complimented, and it can be a great way to make friends with someone. Complimenting people on their appearance, skills, or personality is a great way to start a conversation and make them feel good. Just be genuine in your compliments, and avoid being too personal or sexual.
You may also want to compliment them on something that isn't necessarily superficial - like telling them you admire something about them or thanking them for being a good friend. Whatever you do, make sure your compliments are honest and from the heart.
Compliments are a great way to show someone you care about them, so don't be afraid to give one when the opportunity arises. People will appreciate your kindness, which could lead to a new friendship.
In conclusion,
Making friends as a teenager can be tough when you're just starting out, but hopefully, the tips above will give you the boost you need to get started on building lasting friendship. Moreover, you should reach out to your parents or a therapist if you find that your need additional resources for your emotions during COVID as a teen.
