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Making Friends at Any Age

If you’re moving or starting a different job, making new friends should be on your to-do list. Companionship will not only bring you happiness, but it can also help you adapt to new environments. Unfortunately, with careers and families, building new friendships gets harder with age. Yet, there’s still hope. Here are some Mindful tips for making  friends at any age and developing Mindful Mates™.

First, consider brushing up on your friendship skills.

  1. Smile: Never underestimate the power of smiles. They can help open the gates to many new companionships.
  2. Actively listen: When chatting with someone give them your undivided attention. Show them that you care; avoid distractions or glances at your cell phone.
  3. Laugh: A good sense of humor is essential for any relationship. Laughing at a person’s jokes is great, but being able to laugh at yourself is even better.
  4. Positivity: Your energy can affect your relationship with others. So if you want to start a fulfilling friendship stay positive and the other person will too.

Next, start on a friend search.

  1. Ask around: When moving to a new town, see if any of your present friends know of anyone you should meet in your new neighborhood.
  2. Carpool: Want to make new friends at work? Consider starting a carpool. It’s an economical idea and you can spend time together away from your desks.
  3. Volunteer: You can make friends while helping others. The people you’ll meet while volunteering will have some of the same values and interests as you.
  4. Join a group: There are numerous groups for you to consider like hobby clubs, recreational sports teams, neighborhood committees and religious meetings.
  5. Classes and conferences: Want to learn a new skill like self-defense or painting? Take a class or attend a conference to meet new people.

Lastly, lay the foundation for a new friendship.

  1. Put yourself out there: It takes an initiative to build a friendship. So, don’t be afraid to make the first, second or even third move. Go ahead and ask them to coffee again.
  2. Use social media: There’s no substitute for face-to-face interaction, but social media can be useful. Check-in with your new friends using Facebook and Twitter.

Bonus: While it’s great to be open to new possibilities, it’s also important to remember that not all friendships are built to last. That’s okay. Just pick yourself up and try again. Making friends at any age is possible so keep trying.

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