Today in my Psychology of Communication class a presentation was given on a study that looked at friendships. According to this study the number of Americans who say they have no one to talk to has doubled since 1985. So the article gave some friendly advice for adults looking for friends.
Six Ways To Make a Friend.
1. Sign up for a group travel adventure: people tend to bond more easily when out of their comfort zone. The experience will provide an instant group of people with whom you share a unique memory.
2. Take a class in something you love; enthusiasm is contagious.
3. Get a dog (a pet is also good for the heart) and show up every morning at your local dog park. People love to chat about their pooches.
4. Track down old high school or college pals who live in your area, and see if old friendships can be resumed.
5. Take a fresh look at your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, fellow gym buddies– the people you meet and greet on a regular basis. I f you’ve been standoffish, say hello. If you’ve traded hellos for months, engage them in conversation.
6. Smile.
Well, there ya go. If you were friendless before, you won’t be for long, or something like that. I am not sure I agree that all of these suggestions are the best way of making friends, but I do know I really enjoyed hearing the guy who was giving the presentation say the word “pooches”. The bottom line is we are all wired to desire relationships. Do you know someone who falls into the category of Americans who feel they have no one to talk to? Why don’t you help change those statistics and become that someone for them to talk to? Who knows, maybe you too will find a friend.
