Step 1: put a smile on that face of yours. and don't be afraid of eye contact. use eye contact, and smile at people. this is america, and we're real friendly around here. you don't have to go around smiling and staring like the village idiot, but if you're all sitting on the same rug at story time, or say, starting your new job, it helps to portray yourself as approachable. even if on the inside, you're shaking scared and shy and can't wait for your mom to come pick you up. you're a grown up now. she's not coming.
Step 2: introduce yourself. "hi my name is emma, what yours?" remember that? if you're willing to put yourself out there, it immediately makes you vulnerable to others, they generally won't shoot you down. probably because they're busy taking pity on you for being such a simple human being.
Step 3: make a play date. people tend to bond over commonalities. whether its your fervor for happy hour cocktails, dora the explorer, or the NBA. get together for a drink, to play with barbies or meet at the mountain for an afternoon of snowboarding. don't be afraid to put yourself out there, ask for a phone number, use it. mom also won't be setting up your play time, so its up to you. people respond well when you reach out.
Step 4: repeat! making friends tends to have a domino effect. while it does take some effort, once you have one, you'll see how it can be very easy. the more people you know, the more people you'll come in contact with and before long, you'll be amazed at all the fun people who have entered your life. you just have to let them.
i moved to the pacific northwest a year ago, without a friend on my pacific northwest resume. i remember calling my mom a few weeks after the move and announcing "i have two friends!" it was a great triumph. gone were my lonely days. friends add spice and fullness to life. i'm looking at another big move in the next few weeks. as my time here winds down, i can't help but reflect and give thanks for the many wonderful, caring, fun-loving people who have entered my life over the past year. as well as the ones who have been there to support and love me, no matter how far away. as the saying goes, "make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other's gold." i learned that one in preschool.
one year ago i didn't know 99% of these people. look at how blessed i've been!
