Some people are content with the friends they have, but I always felt that making new friends is also an important aspect of life. I love my friends whom I have built strong and meaningful friendships with, but I also see a value in making new friends, regardless of your age. For me, it is important to introduce new people in my life, to gain new perspectives and experience the world through a different lens. Depending what stage in your life you are in you will want to meet people that are in the same mind set as you with whom you can share similar experiences. Nevertheless, there are always challenges of making new friends especially when you are older. I am so thankful that in my late 20s I was able to meet some amazing new people through the blogging community, one of them being Kassandra. I have known Kassandra for about a year and half now, but it definitely feels much longer than that. Even though we meet through an industry that is at times very fluff, there is a sense of realness in our friendship; honesty and openness that I love. Kassandra has created a beautiful blog and is also a mommy to be very soon. If you are also expecting definitely check it out her blog for some amazing tips about preparing for the baby.
Here are my tips on making new friends:
Get Involved In Your Community
The easiest way to make new friends is by doing something you love. Whether it is sports, painting, taking a dance class or joining a mommy club. Sign up for a class. Anything that gets you out of the house increases your chances of meeting new people, and people with whom you share the same interests with. For me, blogging brought into my life many new friends. It also gave me the chance to be able to relate with individuals that understand the blogging sphere. It is so nice to have a community, a niche, or whatever you may want to refer it as, where you are able to express your obsession over one thing and your friends would reciprocate as well. Your friends will always be there for you, listen to all you have to say, no matter what, but it is nice to have a niche where you can share ideas and make the most of your interactions together.
Get a Dog
When you have a dog, especially a cute one like Margot, everyone wants to talk to you and pet your dog. My walks with Margot have drastically shifted my everyday social interactions. Although I have not made friends in the sense that we meet up and go out for coffee, I have met neighbours that I see everyday whom I chit chat with. This simple yet meaningful interaction is quite uplifting. Making new friends doesn’t have to equate to meeting your new bestie. It can be an quick daily, social interaction. Seeing how happy people are when they pet Margot, is so heartwarming. I also love meeting other pet owners and talking all about dogs and our neighborhood.
Before you rush to get a dog, please be a responsible pet owner and do your research. Do not get a dog just so you can meet new people.
Plug in To Social Media.
Do not underestimate the power of social media. Instagram is a wonderful platform to connect with people and make new friends. I have actually met wonderful individuals through Instagram. In fact, there are a couple of fur moms that I chat with regularly on Margot’s account that I honestly feel like I have known for years. Even though the interactions are online they are genuine interactions. Last year when I went to London, I actually met up with a follow fur mom whom I had been following for quite a while. Meeting in real life was not awkward at all. In fact, it was wonderful to meet Eva and her cute cav pup, Amelia, after a full year of chatting over Instagram.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
If you want to make new friends you have to step out of your comfort zone, and take a risk. Don’t wait for others to make the first move. Introduce yourself, reach out to people. If you are shy, start with baby steps. Don’t wait till the right moment comes along because it may never come. Start talking to someone new, whether it is someone you meet at an event, at the park, even while taking the subway. I used to be so shy, but little interactions here and there have helped to boost my confidence to start talking to people more. Sometimes people will be open to talking to you, sometimes they will not. Don’t be disappointed. These things happen. It has certainly happened to me. Making new friendships doesn’t happen over night, so be patient.
Photography: Laura Clarke
