Super Easy Ways to Meet New People and Make New Friends

People are naturally social beings. We cooperate to achieve common ends, we provide each other with immense emotional support, and we share our discoveries as we go through life. Yet despite all this, many of us have trouble making new friends. But why?

Although we've made substantial gains in modern society, socializing is increasingly neglected, unfortunately. There are several important reasons for this:

1. We are too Busy

Despite utopian dreams from yesteryear about a highly advanced technological society, we somehow find ourselves working more than almost any time in history. Depending on who you listen to, we average 40 to 50 hours a week, and many of us work more than 80. As you might guess, this makes socializing very difficult. Even worse, many of us are conditioned to believe responsibility means we must sacrifice healthy socializing to work for another person's material gain. But by denying our natural social instincts, we are denying our very humanity and our reason for living on this planet.

2. Modern Society Isolates Us

This is a disadvantage that can probably be attributed largely to the industrial age. Until the 20th century, people worked together daily to attain their basic necessities. This also brought them together socially. Today, this happens in an 'institutionalized' manner. We go to our places of work, our house, our schools, socializing in a 'controlled' atmosphere. But outside of this, many of us have much less spontaneous contact with other people than what is natural. We often spend most of our time with no social contact at all.

3. Modern Technology Isolates Us

Our 'restricted' social activity is further complicated by modern technology. While it has brought many conveniences, it has also brought the possibility of spending hours in front of the TV, computer, or otherwise. Additionally, mobile phones and the Internet have replaced in-person communication to some extent. While we can use technology responsibly, statistics show that this happens increasingly less often.

4. Fear of Rejection or Violating Social Norms

A less obvious reason why we sometimes neglect social activity is simply fear. This is often hidden from our awareness, making the problem even more difficult to solve. It comes in two primary forms; fear of rejection and fear of violating social norms.

Fear of rejection happens more often when we are younger. We avoid approaching neighbors, co-workers, or even people in public because we're afraid they won't accept us. This does not have to be pathological to be true, many of us experience it to some extent.

Fear of violating social norms occurs more often as we age. We grow accustomed to behaving in a certain way based on what we see around us. For example, some people feel a need to socialize only with a certain 'class' of people. Others feel they can not have friends from the opposite gender. And still others restrict their social activity to a complex set of conditions: only at company parties, during holidays, etc. Again, many of us experience this in some form.

5. Limited Money for Social Activities

While this is probably the least common reason so far for lack of socializing, it does affect a certain percentage of us greatly. For example, if you are working two or three jobs to pay your expenses, you have neither the time nor money for healthy social habits. Similar is true if you work 7 consecutive days in a low wage job. At the less extreme end, many of us simply spend too much. Fortunately, making an expense sheet helps here.

Despite these reasons, all is not lost in your social life. The following ideas will make taking action to meet new friends very easy, regardless your situation.

Super Easy Ways to Meet New People and Make New Friends

Start by learning to talk to strangers. If you are shy, this is simply matter of practice. At first, just wave or say hi. As you feel more comfortable try making small talk or interesting conversation. Each time it will become easier for you. As a helper, try finding an 'excuse' to be where others are. There are many possibilities, just be creative. For example, try going out to eat or doing something outside (take your pet for a walk, yard work, hobbies, tanning, etc). And keep in mind after making first contact you don't have to feel pressured to talk. Make it easier on yourself by just listening.

Introduce Yourself to those Around You

This one may seem obvious, but we so often neglect it. Once you've overcome your anxiety, you'll find there are many opportunities around you to make new friends. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, your co-workers, and friends of friends.

Go to Public Places

There are a myriad of public places teaming with people. Try simply walking around your subdivision during good weather! Or go to the park, library, museum, or main street of your local town. You can also look for state parks, beaches, picnic areas, public buildings, or anywhere else you can think of.

Use Public Transportation

Another place that we don't commonly think of for meeting new people is public transportation. Yet the space of a bus, train, or subway is occupied by a greater diversity of people than almost any other place that size. Sit next to someone and start a conversation (use your discretion to prevent annoying them). Or go car pooling, an increasingly popular option.

Attend an Event

This one comes naturally for most of us so just think of the next event you attend as a way to meet new people. Possibilities include plays, theaters, concerts, conventions, seminars, cultural and holiday gatherings, parties, sporting events, reunions.. even something as simple as a yard sale.

Join a Group or Club

There are thousands of options here. Join a study group, a support group, a hobby group, a sports league, a fitness club, or a fraternal society.

Go to Church

Many of us already do this regularly, but if not, try it. And you don't have to go to just one church. Try experiencing a variety of religious settings. There is even a church for atheists & agnostics. Churches often have secondary events which you can also attend.

Take Classes

Not only will you have the opportunity to meet new people in your class, but educating yourself in a new area of interest will let you connect with people in new ways.

Volunteer Your Services

Speaking of connecting with people, nothing helps you make new friends quite like volunteering your services towards a good cause. Join a volunteer organization and you can work side by side on projects you like while helping others. Or simply offer your skills as a free service in your local area.

Become Politically Active

This is something more people could benefit from. It could be as simple as joining your neighborhood watch program. Or simply attending local political events - meetings, rallies, protests, etc. You can also run for local offices often without significant background requirements. In any instance, you're sure to meet all kinds of new people.

Conduct Public Speaking

Public speaking is a great way to engage with people and directly touch their lives. It may seem daunting at first, but like anything you can start out slow. Begin in settings such as a small local social gathering - hobby meetups, church, or festivities, for instance. Or join an organization specifically dedicated to development of public speaking skills such as <a href="http://www.toastmasters.org/">toastmasters</a>.

Host a Social Event

Another tip which seems like more of a hassle than it really is. A simple garage sale qualifies. As does a summer block party, holiday get together, or hobby meet. You can also host a home business or professional gathering.

Go Traveling

One of the best ways to broaden your perspective of the world is by experiencing other cultures. You can meet a huge variety of people and witness a totally new perspective on social interaction.

Get a Social Job

This isn't one of my top recommendations, but industries in which there is significant public exposure such as retail, banking, dining, or otherwise offer an enlightening experience on human nature. Another opportunity to meet many new people.

Use the Internet

Regardless the barrier it might impose to human contact as discussed earler, the Internet remains a tool of tremendous potential for making new connections. Nothing else allows such an exchange of information with another person or group worldwide as the Internet. Use it appropriately and you can find friends no matter your interest. Some helpful social websites for this purpose include:

• Frucle.com
• Lifeknot.com
• Meetin.org
• Meetup.com
• Simler.com

And chat forums of all types.