7 Simple Rules to Build Your Social Circle: Making Friends When You’re New

Moving to a new place can be exciting, but it can also be lonely. Building a social circle from scratch can feel like a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. You just need to follow some simple rules that will help you create meaningful relationships wherever you go. Here are seven of them:

1. Be Open to New Experiences and New People

One of the most critical things you need to do is to be open to new experiences and new people. Say “yes” to anything that catches your interest, even if it’s something you’ve never tried before. This is especially important when you’re just starting to make connections. Go out and interact with anyone you can. Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” friend group yet—you just need to meet people and make allies. Through these people, you can meet even more people. Later on, you can be more selective with your choices.

2. Be Yourself, Unapologetically

When you’re making new connections, it’s essential to be yourself, unapologetically. Don’t try to fake who you are just to fit in. Speak passionately about the things you care about and tell people why you love them. There’s no need to censor yourself, but be mindful of the situation you’re in. Don’t swear in front of people when it’s not appropriate. When you’re genuine and authentic, people will be more comfortable around you, and you’ll build stronger connections.

3. Be Excited to Meet People

Show enthusiasm when you meet new people. Let them know that you’re excited to talk to them and that you want to get to know them better. Be interested in what they have to say and show it. If you convey indifference or unfriendliness, people will be less likely to respond positively to you.

4. Bring People Up

Pay people compliments, and make them feel good about themselves. When someone tells you about their interests or work, respond enthusiastically. Tell them why you think it’s awesome and what you find intriguing about them. People love feeling good about themselves, and when you make a positive impression on someone, they’re more likely to remember you.

5. Brag About People to Others

When you meet someone you admire, tell other people about them. Brag about their accomplishments and unique skills. Let other people know why they are worth getting to know. People love being talked up by others, and when you tell someone that someone else is amazing, you’ve given them a reason to seek out that person.

6. Be Interested in Them

Show genuine interest in what other people have to say. Ask questions and learn more about their hobbies, interests, and life experiences. When someone feels that you’re paying attention to them, they’re more likely to want to be around you. Make the effort to remember things they’ve told you, and follow up with them in future conversations.

7. Relate to What They Are Saying

People need to get to know you too, so try to relate to the things they’re interested in. Tell stories, provide feedback, share your thoughts and beliefs, and explain your feelings. When you relate to something they’re interested in, they will see commonalities and be more inclined to hang out with you.

Conclusion

The key to building a social circle is to make friends who share your interests, energy, and same personalities. If you stay open to new experiences and keep a positive perspective, you will be able to find people that match those criteria. As your circle grows, you’ll be able to fine-tune whom you want to spend your time with, but for now, just focus on cultivating meaningful connections with anyone who crosses your path.

Remember that sometimes it takes time to create close friendships, but it’s worth the investment. Building a social circle requires effort and patience, but the result is a supportive community that can enrich your life in so many ways.

If you want to know more about making friends, check out our free cheatsheet, packed with 30 tips to help you meet and make the friends of your dreams. There’s also an article with ten useful tips for making friends that you can read.