6 Solid Tips On How To Make New Friends Online

Some claim that friendship is more important than romantic relationships. Maybe, but the idea differs with different people. Regardless of the argument, having some meaningful friends can significantly improve the quality of your life. Here in this article, we will help you learn how to make online friends.

No matter what is ensuing in your life, having a friend in your corner will only benefit you. Friendships can have a critical impact on your health- both mental and physical. Let’s look into the advantages of having some genuine friends:

● It makes you feel like you belong. In today’s world, where everything moves at lightning speed, having friends makes you feel rooted.
● Research shows that people with solid friendships live a healthier life. It reduces the risk of depression and loneliness. Not only that, but it also minimizes the chances of chronic ailments and heart diseases.
● Spending time with friends helps boost your energy and reduces stress. Close friends help you cope with trauma and distressing life events.
Given all the advantages of having good friends, who wouldn’t want more? But does everyone have the capacity to make new friends or keep it tight with the old ones? Many grown adults find it immensely challenging to make new friendships. Of course, one of the reasons might be a more hectic lifestyle the more you grow up; friends often take the backseat when you have daily chores to complete and a job to keep.

But still, having a few friends will benefit you greatly.

If you are one of those people who find it difficult to talk to others in person, then taking an online approach might be best for you. With the world of virtual dating on the rise, looking for friends online can be profitable from many angles. For starters, choosing the online mode to make new friends can turn out to be much safer. Just like virtual dating, you get to meet the person from behind the safety of a screen and gauge them before meeting them in person. There’s also a wide variety of people online hailing from various cities; it does not limit to the locals you might bump into in a cafe or bookstore. You can make online friends from any corner of the world. Don’t worry if it sounds slightly overwhelming. We are here to help.

We have come up with six solid tips on how to make online friends safely and quickly.

Also read : Do You Have Toxic Friends? It’s Time To Sever Ties

Tip No. 1 on How To Make Online Friends: Get Your Profile Up To Date.

Did you know that dating apps are not limited to dating and finding love anymore? There’s more to it than meets the eye. Recent surveys show dating apps are extensively used for meeting new people, not necessarily to build a romantic relationship; but rather a genuine companionship.

So, what are you waiting for?

Finding the perfect online platform to make new friends is the first step. The second and most crucial step is to set up your profile. If you want more options and fetch better results, you must keep your profile updated.

Let’s make a list:

● To reach more people, keep your profile setting public. If you are okay with a close-knit group, you are good to go with your private profile.
● Choose your display image tactfully. Make sure the photo shows your face clearly and possibly with a warm and inviting smile. The snap you choose for your profile picture should say, “I’ll make a great friend.”
● Make sure not to display personal information. You are here to make online friends, not get robbed.
● If you are using a dating app to find new friends, you must mention that in your profile bio to avoid misunderstandings. For example, while people use the platform to find new friends, it is essentially a dating app. That is the first thing anyone will assume to be there for; dating! Leaving a note in your bio that says, “here to make friends, platonic” will help avoid awkward conversations that are bound to happen otherwise.

Tip No. 2: Online Communities Are A Great Place To Find New Friends

You tried your hands on dating apps. Now try joining some online communities to find like-minded people to be friends with; shared interests are great friendship builders.

If you are worried about finding a community that matches your interest, don’t be. You’ll be surprised to see the sea of options out there.

Here’s the step-by-step routine:

● Focus on one thing you are most passionate about and have enough knowledge on the same.
● Search for communities related to your passion.
● Join and participate in discussions.
● Find new friends who share the same passion as you.
Most people are not so organized; they join whatever comes their way. It might defeat the purpose- connect with new people based on shared interests.

Tip No. 3: Don’t Rush

Once you are done with setting up your profile or finding the perfect community, it’s time to make friends. Meeting new people can be daunting for people who have always struggled to make new friends. So, here is our advice. Take it slow.

The best approach while finding genuine friends online is to let things fall into place more naturally; don’t push it. Remember how you made a solid bond with your school friends? That did not happen overnight either. All good things take time, and so does a new online friendship. With some people, things are much easier; you might as well ask them out on a movie after two to three days of chatting online. With some others, it takes time. One is not better than another. They are just different.

The most important thing to remember is that if someone hints that they are not interested in pursuing a friendly relationship with you, don’t force them. There might not be a direct NO, as you will find while seeking dates, but their actions will suggest the same.

Tip No. 4: Be Smart

While making friends online is one of the safest approaches, the world is full of people waiting to take advantage of your trust. The only thing to save you from this is to be vigilant.

When you have been speaking to someone online for a while now, and it’s finally time to meet them in person, excitement can take over better judgment. But we have got your back. While you let your emotions get the better of you, we will make you a list of things to take into consideration before an in-person meetup.

How long have you known this person? If the answer is anything less than two weeks, you are rushing into it. While meeting people online, you should ideally chat with them for a considerable amount of time before you meet them IRL, enough to know the basics about them.
Where will you meet? Always choose a more public setting for the first meeting. Maybe a busy restaurant or a cafe, preferably a place you both frequent.
Who knows about the meeting? Make sure to tell a close friend or family member about your whereabouts.
Are you saying YES out of obligation? That is not how you make friends. You are obligated to none, especially not someone you only met a few days back.

The most important thing to remember is to trust your gut feelings. If something feels off about the person, you just can’t point at it, believe your instincts. You’ll get plenty of chances to make new friends, but only one is enough for a big blunder.

Tip No. 5 Be Your Authentic Self

Did you ever have a crush on someone and feigned enthusiasm about things they find interesting? Whom are we kidding? We have all done it.

That, don’t do that.

Be yourself while you seek new friends. That’s the only way to make sure you are making genuine relationships and not ones based on fake interests. It is even easier to lose yourself in the virtual world. One nod yes for a thing you don’t agree to, or one decision to not contradict your new friend in a discussion because you don’t want to mess it up is enough to lose sight of who you were before you met them.

Being yourself will attract people who are more alike, and once you build a connection with them, you won’t ever doubt if they like you for who you are or who they think you are. Let it sink.

Tip No. 6: Manage Your Expectations

While online platforms are a great place to meet new people and make new friends, they don’t necessarily last every time. Let’s say you have made some connections and decided to take it up a notch and meet in person. Don’t expect everyone to say yes to your proposal. There will be several who would not want to take it outside of the chatbox. And that is okay.

Things won’t always turn out to be the way you expected them to. And that is why you should not get your hopes too high. Keep it within reason.

Final Thoughts

Making friends online helps you out of your bubble and pushes you to expand your horizon. While it is one of the most convenient approaches, don’t forget to get out there in the real world once in a while.

Note : Image credit to unsplash.com