How To Make Friends

Friends are people who you share a stronger bond with than any other person. They're always there for you, and you should always be there too. Making friends isn't always easy. I'll give you some steps on what to do to get to know someone. Before we begin, you'll need to have these tools: 

• A nice personality
• A very open mind
• Respect for others and yourself 

Friends just don't pop up at your door, ringing your doorbell. You have to get out and be social! (Yeah, that's a hard one). Be somewhere where people are, don't expect people to come to you (That almost never happens). Volunteer somewhere that interests you, most likely, the people you will meet there will share the same concerns. Be open minded, not everyone you meet will have the same interests as you.

When you're settled somewhere social, you have to work on making eye contact  and being a good listener. This shows so much respect, the person will feel that you find them interesting. Don't be afraid to smile or laugh. Do anything that will show others that you find them interesting. You can't judge people by the way they look, so don't avoid them, they have the same right to be your friend as anyone else. You can't hide behind shyness if you're not truly shy in nature, so try to be yourself. Go for small talk. A good conversation starter would be: "Why are you volunteering here?" or "How bout' them Lakers?" 

Once you've shared interests, invite them to places. Go out and do fun things (Even if they're not fun for you, keep them interested). Go out for lunch, grab a couple of beers, sit at the park and stare at women, play some Call of Duty. Don't come off too strong at first, what I mean by this is don't invite them to your house so early in your relationship. Keep the outings small and non-creepy (The last thing you want is for them to think you're a creep). 

Finally, you meet someone and you're thinking about what you like and what they like. Be a good friend and don't betray them. Always listen to what they have to say and show respect. In return, they'll treat you the same way. Be really open minded. Whenever your friends need help, help them. Showing respect will only make your relationship stronger. 

It isn't easy to make a friend (I know), but these steps will be sure to help you. Remember that people almost never approach you, so you have to do the work. Always treat them how you want to be treated. Also, remember to emphasize on the good things about you. Always be there for a friend and they will surely be there for you.