Mind · Lonely, Left Out & FOMO
How to Make New Friends
By the eva team · · 2 min read
New friendships usually grow through repeated small interactions rather than one perfect conversation. Shared activities can create natural reasons to meet the same people, while simple questions, attentive listening and small invitations can gradually turn a familiar face into a friend. Feeling nervous is normal, and you do not need to change your personality or become instantly confident.
1. Want To Make A New Friend? Start Small.
You do not need a clever introduction or instant connection. Friendship often begins with recognising someone, exchanging a few words and meeting again. Your first goal is not to find a best friend it is to create one comfortable interaction.
2. Choose A Place Where You’ll Meet Again
Friendship becomes easier when you regularly see the same people. A club, class, sports activity, study group or shared-interest space gives you something to talk about and more than one opportunity to connect. Health guidance for young people commonly recommends joining activities or groups based on genuine interests.
3. Pick One Person Not The Whole Group
Approaching a large group can feel overwhelming. Begin with someone who seems approachable, sits near you or shares an activity with you. Look for a calm moment when neither of you is rushing or deeply involved in something else.
4. Use A Simple Conversation Opener
Ask about something you already share: “Have you started this project?” “What did you think of today’s class?” or “Is this seat free?” A small question or honest comment is enough. You do not need to sound unusually funny or impressive.
5. Help The Conversation Continue
Listen to the answer and ask one related question. Share a little about yourself too, so the conversation does not feel like an interview. Teenagers develop friendship skills through practice including small talk, group conversation and learning how to respond to other people.
6. Create One Small Next Meeting
When the conversation feels comfortable, suggest something simple: sitting together at lunch, working on the project again or joining the same activity next time. Specific, low-pressure invitations are usually easier to answer than asking someone to become your friend immediately.
7. Look For Effort From Both Sides
You can begin a conversation or offer an invitation, but friendship should not depend on one person doing all the work. Notice whether the other person responds, includes you, asks questions and treats you respectfully. Friendships take effort from both people to build and maintain.
8. Ask For Support If Connecting Feels Impossible
Tell a trusted adult, teacher, counsellor or mental-health professional if loneliness continues or fear of judgement repeatedly prevents you from speaking, attending activities or building relationships. Social anxiety is more than occasional shyness when the fear persists and affects school, confidence, relationships or everyday life.