It can be hard to make new friends in high school because everyone already knows each other.It's never too late to expand your circle of friends.You might have something in common with some of the people you meet.It's a good idea to strike up a friendly conversation when you see someone you like.
Step 1: You can get involved in something that interests you.
You need to find new people to be friends with in order to make new friends.It is possible to join an academic club, sports team, or other school related organization.The other students who've also joined will have something in common with you if you're interested in it.Clubs give you a structured environment to interact in and expose you to people you already have something in common with.Depending on your interests, you can join a language club, a gaming club or a literary magazine.Join an athletic team.There are a lot of chances to hang out with the other people on the team.You can join a team sport if you're athletic.Model UN, Scholars' Club, and debate team are good places to be more academic.There are many ways to meet people who share some of the same interests as you.
Step 2: Do not skip school dances, parties, and pep rallies.
If school social events don't seem like your thing, dress up and go anyways.You might be surprised at how much fun you have when you push yourself out of your comfort zone.If you can go with someone you know, that would be great.If you act like you're happy to be there, you can have a good time.Cheer on the home team at a football or basketball game, show off your dance moves at the school dance, or attend the theater club's latest play.You will have to interact with people and make new friends if you are more active.
Step 3: Meet people working outside of school hours.
Have you ever considered the impact volunteering and working can have on your social life?Having an after-school job or donating your time to help those in need can help you connect with people you might not otherwise get to know very well, and you could end up making some really good friends in the process.It's a great way to meet people from different walks of life.You can check out different volunteer organizations in your town.The practice of talking to customers can help you be more comfortable making friends at school, if you get an after-school job where you'll work with the public.Try applying for jobs at places where teens hang out, like your local pizza place or movie theater.
Step 4: There are different online platforms where you can connect with people from school.
If you feel like people would really like you if they could just get to know you, social media might be the way to go.Keep your pages updated with cool, upbeat content that shows off a little bit about who you are and friend or follow people you know from school.That could lead to real-world friends.You can share jokes that show your sense of humor.Don't be afraid to show off your talent.You might post photos of your finished works if you're into art.If you're a musician, you might share your videos.
Step 5: If you have anything in common, chat a few minutes.
If you see someone sitting by themselves at lunch or before school, ask if it's okay to sit down.Ask them a few questions to get to know them better.It's easy to connect with someone you really get along with if you walk up to a group of people.Just say something like, "I've gotta get going but maybe I'll see you tomorrow" if you don't seem to be vibing after a few minutes.Have a great one!
Step 6: Come across as open and friendly.
You don't have to have a big grin plastered on your face all day, that will make you look silly.When you're at school, keep your head up.Give someone a smile when you make eye contact.People want to know more about you over time because of that friendly attitude.People are less likely to approach you if you look frustrated.You don't have to pretend to be someone else when you have a bad day.As a general rule, try to come across as friendly.
Step 7: Take deep breaths or strike a power pose to feel more in control.
If you can't help but get butterflies before you talk to someone, what do you do?Take a couple of deep, slow breaths through your nose and mouth.It will help calm those physical reactions in your body.It will be easier to come across as confident.Slip into the bathroom or a private spot if you're having a hard time feeling confident.Put your hands on your hips while standing with your feet shoulder-width apart.Pretending to be confident can help you feel that way.Try to challenge the voice in your head that makes you doubt yourself.If you catch yourself thinking, "I'm so awkward, I have a totally unique style and I love that about myself," replace that thought with something else.If you get nervous when you're talking to someone else, remind yourself that they are too.It can help you relax around them.
Step 8: Talk all day long.
If it feels awkward to start talking to people, don't worry.It takes a lot of practice to become a great conversationist.It's definitely a skill that you can learn.Make small talk with the people you meet in class or at your after-school activities for now.It is possible to say, "Hey, how's your day going?" in a small talk.To the person next to you.
Step 9: Don't ask questions that can be answered with "yes" and "no".
Go for open-ended questions that give the person a chance to elaborate.It makes you seem more interesting when you talk about yourself and seem interested in someone else.If you don't know how to start a conversation with someone, begin with a question like, "What are you doing for winter break?"If someone mentions something about their dog, you might ask if they have any pictures, what kind of dog it is, and what its name is.
Step 10: Give the person your full attention.
When the other person is talking, show them that you're listening by nodding your head, making eye contact, and pitching in small comments."Oh that's cool."Try to be present so you can get to know the person better, and don't just glaze over, look at your phone, or think about what you're going to say next.Ask the person more questions if they seem passionate about something.Let the conversation end naturally when it starts to trail off.I hope you have fun on your trip.Next week, you can tell me all about it!
Step 11: People can get to know the real you by making genuine connections.
Don't be afraid to show who you are to other people.It's okay to pretend to be confident when you're really nervous, but you don't like it.Don't lie about yourself to impress other people, the truth will eventually come out, and it will push people away if they feel like you're not authentic.When someone says they love basketball, don't act like you're a big fan."Who's your favorite team?" is a question you can ask.It's important to show the other person you're interested in.Even if you don't know much about what other people like, they might share something that helps you see it in a different light.You might tag along if your friend invites you to a basketball game.
Step 12: Share your opinions about others to make them happy.
The best compliment can be given to someone's personality or sense of style.If someone has a new haircut or a great pair of shoes, point it out!Let them know if you feel like one of your classmates always asks great questions or tells the best jokes.It will help you make friends more easily if you do this.Comments about a person's body or attractiveness can make them feel uncomfortable.
Step 13: Get to know someone.
Sharing too much about yourself can be off-putting.Information about your home life or medical history should be avoided in the first few conversations.Don't get into details that might make the conversation awkward, like your cousin's stint in jail, or your sister eating paper towels.It's a good idea to spend more time talking about the other person than you do about yourself.Sharing your secrets can help deepen your friendship.Tell them something small at first to see how they react, or wait until they start sharing their secrets with you.
Step 14: Outside of school, plan activities to make friends.
It can be difficult to get to know someone at school.If you feel like you're starting to click with someone, it's a good idea to see if they want to come over to your house or go with you after school.Don't make a big deal of it, just casually say, "Come over after school?"I received the new Call of Duty.If you're nervous about spending time with a new friend, invite them to do an activity with you, like going to the movies, playing video games, or watch a sports game.You won't have to carry a conversation the whole time.Say something positive if they say yes.If they say no, just shrug and say, "Okay, maybe next time."Don't act like you're disappointed.
Step 15: Don't make other people look bad.
It might seem like everyone gossips in high school, but badmouthing others can make you look bad.Try to be the person who builds others up.You'll be more likely to make friends if you're a more positive person.It might make your new friends worry that you will talk bad about them when you're not around.
Step 16: Who will be a good fit for you?
It can be tempting to want to accept anyone who seems to be interested in you.Think about who you'll enjoy spending time with.Good friends make you feel good, they build people up, and they listen when you talk.Keep your distance if someone gives you a bad feeling.Do you enjoy yourself after you spend time with someone?Did I feel included?It's okay to still be friendly if the answer is no.
Step 17: Friends should be given time to grow.
Over time, the best friends are built.Don't try to rush it or force it, just be friendly and keep talking to people.Eventually you're going to meet people who like you for who you are, if you keep putting yourself out there.It's not a reflection on who you are as a person if you get to know someone and they don't want to be your friend.They weren't the right fit for you as a friend.Don't beat yourself up.Don't get down on yourself if you're having a hard time making friends or if it's taking longer than you want.People are attracted to others who are confident and at ease with themselves (or at least appear to be), so stay upbeat and remind yourself of all the great qualities you have to offer.