“Make A Friend Day” is February 11th!
February 11th is National “Make a Friend Day,” which is an incredible moment to meet new people, allowing for new friendships to blossom. This can be an intimidating process, but it is also an essential aspect of life that leads to new opportunities, connections and creates long-lasting friendships.
As this day approaches, reflect on the values that a friendship holds. Avoid surrounding yourself with people who bring you down or dim your spark. Friends uplift you and are interested in learning what makes you, you. They are interested in making memories with you, growing with you, considering you in situations and making the time to reach out and catch up; these are people who recognize when you are having an off day and choose to offer their support.
However, friendships are not meant to be one-sided. A healthy friendship requires effort from both sides. Recognize those in your circle who never fail to show up for you, and do the same for them. Long-lasting friendships don’t come by often, so when they do, hold them tight and cherish them.
finding your people
Now, while understanding friendships is one thing, knowing how to make them is another.
Start by entering places where you can find people with similar interests, morals, and values. Introduce yourself, offer a welcoming smile and be genuine. It can be scary, but just know a gentle hello can go a long way.
You may even want to rekindle an old friendship. As we get older and take on new adventures, it can be hard to maintain childhood friendships. Nevertheless, it can be refreshing to reach out and reminisce on good times or even build up something new.
Even if making friends is a struggle at first, I promise that over time it will get easier. The people who are meant for you will find you.
the key to friendships in university
A huge struggle that university students face is making new friends. Childhood friendships are built on constant shared classrooms, play dates, the same high school or even family friends. Yet what happens when we get to university and the campus is filled with about 40,000 students? How do you navigate the fear of not belonging or not finding your group?
The truth is, it never stops being scary. Making friends is a lifetime skill that you will need to use. There will be eras in your life where you have the fullest circle you have ever known, and there will be times where you will cruise through life by yourself or with only a couple of friends. However, you will continue to meet new people who match your interests, energy and overall vibe. In every chapter of your life, you will find people who are like a missing puzzle piece from your life.
So put yourself out there! Study in public spaces and say hello to the person sitting next to you. Put your phone down in the dining hall and start up a conversation with someone also sitting by themselves. If you dorm on campus, talk to the people on your floor or in your building. Since you live in the same place, you might as well get to know them, too! Engage with fellow students in your discussions and join or form study groups. The best people will show up in the most unexpected places.