So where exactly are you supposed to meet these great new pals? Sitting in your room isn't going to make it happen! Start by getting involved in the activities and interest you already love whether it's an online Winx fan club or a local volleyball league. Being the new kid in the group will feel weird at first, but remember, you're all there because you share the same interests. What could be a better ice breaker? If you think you're already way involved and still aren't connecting with people, it might be time to step back and re-evaluate how you act around others. Don't be too haughty or condescending. It is far more important to be nice than be interesting. Instead of heading straight home after a game, grab a pizza with the team. The more time you invest in getting to know others, the easier it is for them to see you as an A-list friend.
PS: You need not dress up in dandy clothes or wear loud make up to attract people. More than artificial make up, simplicity attracts people. Smile often, make eye contact, don't look too tensed and listen to what others have to say!
Form a Study Group
Does your math teacher give super-hard exams? Is your history teacher always giving pop quizzes? Round up a few others from your class to study together each week. Ask your teacher if you could pass around a sign-up sheet or make an announcement about the group after class.
Detach Yourself From Technology. Temporarily!
Put away your cell phone from time to time and take a look around. Who seems funny or interesting? Which people in the room have you never talked to? Who pays attention to your ideas? Make a mental note and spend a little time getting to know these people face-to-face. When your group gets together, share notes and chat about class. Find out what your classmates like about the teacher and what they can't stand. Make flash cards together or quiz one another. Bring snacks and share what's going on in your life. You'll have new friends before you know it.
Slow...
Say you're seriously crushing on a guy, would you run up to him and announce you two are now a couple and you're now going to spend every single day together? Um, not unless you want him to run in the other direction. The same goes for making friends: you want to take things slowly at first. Wait until you feel comfortable talking to each other during band practice or on the walk home from the library before you suggest getting together. Skip high-pressure or potentially awkward situations, like your grandpa's 85th birthday bash.
Opt for something casual: "So, have you seen that new movie? I thought it'd be fun to get a bunch of people together to go." Will it be totally nerve-wracking to make the first move? Probably but it'll have been more than worth it once the ice is broken and you're out having fun with your new friends.
And then? Don't sit back, relax and expect lasting friendships to occur. It requires communication from both sides. Therefore, call up people you have just met, email old friends who have moved away, drop in occasional sms just to say 'hi'.
Old or new... Last but not the least - don't forget old friends. If they have moved away or if you have moved away, be in touch with occasional phone calls and emails. Don't leave old friends for the sake of new ones.
