Look for volunteer opportunities that match your interests online or by using local community resources such as the library.
Choose friends with similar values. Friendship groups should be diverse, but if you can respect each other’s beliefs and values, it will avoid negative influence. Friends with similar values also hold each other accountable. Choose friends who will balance you. It is a good idea to have friends who excel in areas where you struggle, as well as having friends who can appreciate your own talents. This mix of strengths and weaknesses creates fantastic synergy. If you are a little untidy, make friends with someone who is very organized. If you struggle to keep to an exercise routine, find someone who is passionate about working out. If you can utilize each other’s strengths, then everyone wins. [1] X Research source
Ask questions to show that you heard what someone said. This also allows you to clarify a point or develop and idea. It encourages people to open up and creates a more solid foundation for the discussion. For example, if someone mentions that they went shopping recently you might ask “what did you buy?” This will help continue the conversation and will show your interest. Paraphrase pieces of the conversation. This is a great tool to show that you have listened to and understood a person. It involves repeating back what a person has said, perhaps with your own comment as a brief addition. For example, “So Simon, what you’re saying is that you’d rather spend more time with the family, rather than feeling like you always have to work?” Respond appropriately. Nod and use appropriate gestures. Allow someone to make their point before you make yours. Reserve judgement and share your own opinions in a respectful manner. Be candid, honest and open in your responses. [2] X Research source
Smile. When you smile at someone, you give the impression that you are approachable and trustworthy. Research indicates that we remember those you smile at us, and humans can spot a smile over 300 feet away Reduce nervous gestures. When we are nervous, we pacify ourselves with self-touching, perhaps by playing with our hair or jewelry, fidgeting or adjusting our clothes. This can be rude or inappropriate in some contexts, and it also robs our statements of credibility. Take a deep breath and steady yourself when you feel tempted to engage in such gestures. Maintain eye contact regularly. This shows that you are listening and helps you to keep focus. It also demonstrates that you find what the person is saying interesting. However, do not stare; take small breaks from making eye contact by looking down momentarily. Talk with your hands and use open gestures. Talking with our hands can stimulate thinking, and it also shows you have nothing to hide. Keep your movements slow and relaxed, show the palms of your hands and use open-arm gestures. [3] X Research source
Try not to finish other people’s sentences. You might think this is an indication that you are developing a closer bond. However, you are actually disempowering a person by not letting them finish their thought. [4] X Research source
Getting together at a new restaurant. Having a weekly movie or poker night. Volunteering together. Doing some home improvement or gardening. Booking a spa day.
Cooking classes. Learning a new language. Playing a team sport. Dance lessons. Going to a concert or open-mic night. Learning to paint, draw or sculpt. Joining a craft group. Getting involved in a drama group or choir.
