They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it also takes a village — at best a supportive community, and at the least a few very good friends — to keep a person sane and happy. All of us need companionship, which is exactly why teenagers are texting their friends in the middle of dinner (TMI, BFF, OMG …), and why people who didn’t own a personal computer last year now have profiles on Facebook, MySpace, and other social networking sites.
Maybe the first trick to finding friends is to befriend ourselves, and to become comfortable with silence, because no one has the power to make us feel okay with ourselves but us. But, lest we stay quiet for too long, here are 10 techniques to meet new friends, which I think everyone can benefit from, because, as I learned in Girl Scouts a few hundred years ago (where I didn’t make any friends…), some are silver and the others are old, I mean gold.
1. Join a book club.
Most of my friends are in book clubs, and, I have to admit, I’m a little envious of the discussions that happen in these groups. If your neighborhood doesn’t have a book club, you can usually join one as part of the local library, the recreational or community center, the community college, or online, of course.
2. Volunteer.
That one seems like a no-brainer, but, seriously, have you ever considered the many charities to which you could give your time? Your local civic association is always in need of volunteers for projects like “let’s clean up the park before a hundred dogs crap on it again” and Toys-for-Tots, Christmas in April, and so on. Don’t forget about all your local politicians who need help with their campaigns. If one impresses you, offer to knock on a few doors for her or him. Host a cheese and cracker party for the community to get to know the candidate.
3. Find a support group.
There’s more to the support group universe than AA. Have you ever looked through all the local listings of meetings in your area? There’s even ACOMP (Adult Cousins of Mean People) … not really.
4. Take a night class.
That’s where you can supposedly meet men (or women) if you find yourself single in your late 30s or 40s or 50s. If you take a class in something that you are interested in, you’re very likely to find potential friends with similar hobbies.
5. Get a dog.
I’m not talking about using the dog as a companion (because we know a dog is a man’s best friend). I just mean that dogs are people magnets–and usually nice-people magnets. Here in Annapolis, we have dog cults. If you walk your mutt in certain neighborhoods, you will meet approximately five to ten friends per mile. Double that if you’re walking a Golden Retriever. Triple it if you head to the “dog park,” designed specifically for doggy play, or proper socialization for dogs.
6. Steal friends.
I realize this technique was frowned upon in the fifth grade. You would surely earn a reputation as a friend-stealer if you tried this too many times. But many (NOT ALL) people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, etc. have loosened up a bit. I have found this to be a very efficient method of making friends, because someone has already done your dirty work–the interview process–and weeded out the toxic folks. It’s like Facebook in real life.
7. Knock on doors.
Yep. That’s what I did six years ago when I was stuck home with a fussy baby and going absolutely crazy. I walked around the neighborhood knocking on every porch that held a stroller. “You in there. I know you have kids. You want to be my friend?” I might have been a tad more subtle than that, but not much.
8. Carpool to work.
Hey, it works for elementary school kids. Many 6-year-olds meet their best buddies on the bus because 1) they live in their neighborhood (what could be more convenient?), 2) they are on the same schedule, and 3) they know the same people (“Susie has cooties”).
9. Connect with your alumni association.
I used to be much better at this before kids came along, but even today, I still pay my dues. Alumni associations are gold mines for potential friends. You already have a major experience in common: you can rehash old times as a conversation starter if you need one. Plus many associations sponsor community service events, workshops, or trips abroad that you can take advantage of even if you aren’t looking for friends.
10. Talk to strangers.
I know this goes against what you were taught in elementary school. But, yes, the way to meet friends is to strike up a conversation with absolutely anyone. This means becoming the annoying lady everyone dodges on the plane: “So … what are you reading? … Oh, ‘Left Behind.’ … Have you gotten to the part where everyone except a handful of people burn in hell?… No? … I hope I didn’t ruin it for you.” If you put yourself out there, yes, you will get rejected many times, and that hurts a little (sometimes a lot). But you will also find your best friends. Everyday life is full of potential friendship moments: waiting rooms, church, trains, planes, automobiles, office meetings, support groups , or coffee shops.
60 comments
Hi Theresa,
Interesting post:
I just wanted to add;
Lots of people use social networking sites as a replacement for community activities and face to face communication – This I feel is quite sad.
So let me thank you for your post and encouraging the community spirit.
Also be approachable and smile;
“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yoursâ€
Many thanks
Regards
Dawn Pugh
http://www.everytherapist.com
Is it very necessary to make fun of the Left Behind series? Really?
And a lot of people use social networking sites as a way to meet people in real life that have similar interests. I know hundreds of people thanks to the internet that I wouldn’t have met otherwise — and I’ve met them all in person. I’m fortunate to live in a city with a very active social networking community – and we meet in person as much as we talk online.
It is just another method of meeting your neighbors, even if it isn’t the conventional one. It makes the world a much smaller place.
Mother Teresa I’m not nor come close to but I think I’m a approachable person. I don’t care about meeting people on the internet because I don’t like telling alot about myself to someone I can’t see or trust that that is a picture of someone I’m talking to or if in fact they are in front of me I have a hard time telling them alot afraid of being judge NO
These are good ideas. It sounds like they are tailored to women 35 and older, but they still are mostly true for younger people, both men and women.
I know some young people who choose bars and clubs to meet friends, which is difficult because it is noisy and the patrons are much less receptive than in a volunteer job or a night class. But… I suppose doing things the hard way makes you appreciate the success that much more!!!!!
Yes, it is necessary to make fun of the Left Behind series. It is always necessary at any and all opportunities. Kinda like the way it is with Scientology.
Approach a stranger – funny story. My husband does this all the time with great results. I finally girded my loins and tried it at the grocery store one day and was rewarded with 20 minutes of stories on how this man was about to amaze the world with his undisputed truths of proof that Bigfoot lives right in our neighborhood.
Yes Ifind it hard to make friends and hace just realized that the main reason is that I feel so embarassed about myself. Does anyone else feel this way? Or could recommend any coping strategies. Thanks
Are you serious? These are your advices?
Dear Daisymay, thank you for your authentic sharing !
YES, I too feel this way most of the time !!
It literally hurt when someone even looks at me and I cringe when someone approaches or get to close to me. Actually I’m a very cuddly and caring person, but I feel very locked-up in my self. This is a cause of much unhappiness, yet, what ever I undertake to break through this maddening self embarrassment, nothing seems to help ! Help!! 🙂
Nothing seems to really make a dent in my seemingly thick skin of excess self-consciousness. pfff, what can I do besides learn to live with it . . . even after 50 years it’s still hard.
Well, Ella, what would you suggest ??
Please tell me, I’m curious !!
I agree with Ella, but maybe Ella and I don’t understand?
It’s true though that it’s a good thing to be an alcoholic if you want everyone to be your friend because you are an alcoholic.
The dog is the best one. Babies and children work even better.
also i like to add: Pride, don’t have too much pride and lower your self down. This woman what she did is let her friend used her.
Hey, I think that person warning against cyber-living your relationships through social networking on the net just doesn’t get it! We can be whatever we please on the web, young, sexy, wounded, deeply wounded or just regular folks. The web doesn’t discriminate against you for your race or gender. Heck, you can even import a glamorous photo of someone you wish you were to your Facebook page! Life is simple there, you just tell it like you wish it was! Most people do.
ella, i feel just as you do. i have one hell of a time making friends. i live next to a minister`s wife, i called to find out how she`s doing, no return calls. visit once, no return visit surprisingly we go to same church she acts like a stranger well i move on.
But there’s a difference between meeting people and making friends. This is how to meet people. Getting to the next level is the hard part.
I have always had trouble meeting new friends.
Your 10 suggestions really pointed me in the
right direction.
Thank you,
PR
I kinda agree with Sophie. I do talk with a lot of people (as I’m walking the street, relaxing at a park and even at School…). But I could say I hardly have a good friend between them. Someone that people call BFF (best friend forever). I wonder if this is considered making friends, or people who have a couple of friends, but best friends….
I talk to people like I’ve always known them…Be open (I’m not saying tell them your life story)..I love talking to people at the grocery store or anywhere I happen to be…I’ve chatted online for about eight years and some of my dearest friends I’ve met online and I wouldn’t trade them for anything…My grandmother always told me “the only way to have friends is to be one”…
I disagree with Ron about being how you wish it would be…Always be yourself…No matter how boring or uninteresting you feel that you are, thee are people that find you most interesting…Being true to yourself is the first step to being true to being true to all those around you and having friends (true ones)…
I had lots of friends as a teenager and young adult. It seems, now that I’m older, it is harder to meet friends. I wish I had stayed in touch with my fiends from years ago. We have moved a lot. I’ve joined groups, but it’s strange, I never seem to ‘connect’ with anyone. The open, carefree, ‘teenager’ who met friends easily, seems to have died. I spend way too much time on the computer, running errands, I draw and paint, read…many activities, alone. I do like my own company…that’s good. 🙂 I miss the easy laughter, and affection I felt. I look at signed class photos and most of them say, “To a great girl, I hope we stay friends forever”. The years have flown by and they are all gone…somewhere in time.
I have met lots of friends through having horses, riding together, going to events, etc. Horses, of course, are a lifestyle. I also volunteer for a spay/neuter group called PAWS. I still find, however, that many so-called “friends” are more like acquaintances. I think having a true friend–one you can spill your guts to and still be loved–is hard to find. I still keep up a slightly protective wall because I’m afraid of being hurt I think. My horses and dogs are still my closest friends.
I work at a restaurant as a cashier and I have given one lady my phone number and she never called me. Another lady I gave my phone number to and she has so many disabilities that I couldn’t see visually. I attract the wrong females. I am engaged to be married so I don’t need guy friends just woman friends. I have some friends but very few. I am wondering what I am doing wrong? Any suggestions.I am looking to volunteer. Back in my 30’s I had friends galore but they used me or I let them use me.
Left Behind line–hilarious!!!
I finally at 50 have learned how to develop deep and loving friendships. How? When I meet someone I’d like to get to know better, I tell them so and invite them for coffee, lunch, a walk, whatever. I think most of us are at least somewhat, if not extremely, self-conscious, so who wouldn’t like hearing they are appreciated and someone wants to get to know them better? Yeah, it’s risky–sometimes there’s rejection and sometimes I simply feel awkward. But this is how my closest friendships have started. Remember this mantra, “If they don’t want to get to know me better, too, it’s their loss.” And believe it! Every soul walking this earth has immense value–it’s just that some people haven’t recognized that yet! Some of the shyest, most self-conscious people I’ve met are absolute diamonds in the rough. Look deep–at yourself first, and you’ll see the glimmer.
Joanie I really like what you had to say. In my experience, if you reach out with a friendly smile and genuine interest coupled with an honest and considerate approach, someone will reach back in kind.
While networking online, there are some safe, informative and rewarding avenues to explore. One of my favorite is sparkpeople.com. You will find an abundance of information about health, fitness and well-being. You can join teams with people of common interests and in short, find many ways and lots of support for self improvement.
When it comes to making friends, I find that giving selflessly and unconditionally is rewarded abundantly in returns.
Therese, liked your post and have something to add to help people make friends. There is a FREE
site called MeetUps.com It is all over the world and the concept is to use the internet to bring people together locally and make a difference in their community. When you register you fill out a profile about your interest/hobbies etc. and your local zip code. They will email you about different meet ups in your area where you can connect with people and make new friends. What ever your interests are you can find them there; some examples are: dinner groups, brunch, coffee, runners, walkers, stay at home moms, dog lover’s, singles groups, wood working, etc. If you don’t find something to join then for a very nominal fee you can become an organizer and start your own but there is so much to choose from. I started a women’s social networking group for women it their 50’s & 60’s. We meet 1-2 x per month and I am beginning to make new friends. I have had much positive feedback and this is a great way to meet new people and make new friends!!!
Julie- that sounds like a fun group- where is it?
Friend Stealing: I think you have to be careful with this. I’m all for bringing together my old friends with new friends, but I recently had a friend of mine contact one of my oldest friends to invite her to a party to which I was not invited! My old friend was confused, I was confused, and I suddenly realized that maybe this person wasn’t really a friend. I think you just have to be considerate of other people’s feelings and try to not ruin existing friendships while trying to pounce on a new friend!
Good for you, Cindy! It sounds like you are doing it right! ;)Great post.
Ron sees the problem with Internet friendships not working, or being satisfactory, because:
‘We can be whatever we please on the web, young, sexy, wounded, deeply wounded or just regular folks. The web doesn’t discriminate against you for your race or gender. Heck, you can even import a glamorous photo of someone you wish you were to your Facebook page! Life is simple there, you just tell it like you wish it was! Most people do.’
I have heard other people argue against internet relationships for the same reason.
Yet, for myself it is the opposite, and I really feel connected to people on the internet, and have made some good friends over the years.
But that is, because I am ‘real’ and totally myself, and who I am. (If I wasn’t able to do so, and took on a fake identity, then that would really be a different experience, and one that would feel quite unsatisfying.)
And the people I relate to over the Internet are like myself, real. I have found that what makes relationships last over the Internet, and what makes me really cherish them, is when they end up being a true ‘give and take’ relationship, and an ‘equal’ one. (not so different from real life) When you share a common interest, and when both sides really get something from the each other.
I personally value my internet friendships a lot, because I don’t have to get dressed and make plans, or have to go out to dinner, or drive, or go to a movie, or get child care.
I can visit on my time and when I am in the mood, and more than anything, I don’t have to deal with phone calls.
But are they real, yes for sure they are real. Because, as with real relationships in the real world, the point for me is to be seen and heard for who I really am, and to share my true thoughts and feelings. There would be no pleasure and/or satisfaction for me to make up someone I am not.
And I can see, and be seen even online; it’s not just words. (no more or less than in real life)
One thing about the Internet is that I find it easier to come right out with the truth, and there is less small talk involved, and less distractions.
I get to meet people whom I would never get to meet otherwise.
It’s different but just as real. Kat
Therese, I wanted to also apologize for my flippant comment further up. I thought about it, and it is really hard to make friends, I think.
And your points are actually quite good, and I cannot think of any better ones myself. So, sorry, and ‘thank you’! Katrin
Must of all your suggestions were great ideas except for talking to stranger. Todays society my limit your ability to do this. There are too many
mentally deranged people lurking our communities anymore. It is not as safe to entertain strangers as it use to be. You must be discernible when dealing with strangers. Sometimes it’s best that your associates/friends or co-workers introduce you to people you do not known(strangers).
well, I think I will start with this website.
Is there anyone here who would like to be friends?
hey I think it has almost been two years since you asked if anyone wanted to be friends. I am game.. but I also want to know if anyone answered and whether you have grown a true friendship with anyone this way..
Sure dude, I’ll be your friend, I want as many friends as I can get
daisymay, I feel the same way. I would like to extend an invitation to anyone with very few or no friends like myself. FYI, I don’t make fun of anybodys choice of “religion” but do prefer Left Behind
Antonette my e-mail is [email protected] Name is Kim, email if you would like to. This includes anyone else on this site.
Well, I have to say, that meeting people in public, “Strangers” per say, is and easy enough thing if you are comfortable in your own skin, if you are happy. I used to be so self conscious, which made it difficult to talk to people, until I realized that being happy with myself and accepting myself, others will accept me too. And this is true due to my own experience. People see the true you, if you let yourself be who you are. You attract people alike yourself if you allow yourself to be who you really are, if you want to be isolated, people will stay away from you, if you are outgoing and talkative people will flock to you, and you will attract alike people. I have a handfull of real friends, friends that will be there thru anything, but the new friends I meet, we have a good time, for a limited time, some come and go and others, stay forever. The best way to make real good friends is to be a real good friend yourself.
People are missing the one on one communication, and forgetting how to communicate effectively in public, cause they are so caught up on the net. Once you break them out of their shell you can see them shine, and see who they really are. It’s real interesting, but I’ve been noticing in the last 2 years, that the more I approach people and start talking to them, it like they long to talk to people, down to earth non-judgmental, and they seem so isolated from society, because people are walking around like judges, and they don’t see the real person. They only see the clothes they wear, their hair style, the shoes they wear, what type of job they have. Unless you’ve walked a million miles in someone’s shoes, you have no way of judging that person, accept people for who they are, see the positive sides of them, focus only on the positive, and even with yourself, focus on the positive things about yourself, and you will attract positive people that want to be around you, which makes it easier to make friends. If you meet someone who is negative, maybe you don’t want to bother with them, but send out a positive message about that person, the more positive people are, the more positive things will flow in their lives, I only speak of experience. I used to be a very negative person and looking back on my own life and taking responsibility for it, I see that all the negatives that happened were because my mental train of thought was negative, there was not an ounce of positive thinking, luckily I had positive friends, that worked hard on trying to make me see the positive things about myself that I finally realized that yes, I make mistakes, but it doesn’t change who I am, which is a caring, loving person, who loves to laugh and loves to make people laugh, and those who want to be surrounded by me will surround themselves with me. This is not ego this is self-realization. Ego is another negative, ego can prevent you from being happy, from seeing others, making friends, and can stop you from seeing yourself outside your own box. My advise, be true to yourself, focus on the positive things in life, and everything will flow, don’t let the negative thoughts come in and rule your mind. Take a walk everyday, and look around and appreciate the beautiful things we have around us, and give less attention to the negative things we see.
Just my thoughts!! Have yourselves everyone an absolute supper wonderful day!!
No we haven’t gotten to that part of left behind yet, but you will know it when we do….
I have met a lot of my friends through friends and through my spiritual community. I met my boyfriend online–we started out each just looking to make new FRIENDS, but we instantly clicked. That’s how it goes, sometimes.
I have a lot of online friends whom I’ve known many, many years and would not hesitate to meet up with in person, if they visited my area and our schedules meshed. We’re talking at least 7-10 years I’ve known them this way, though. I’m actually very selective about who transitions from being an online friend to being a friend face-to-face.
The Internet can be a good way to meet people if you are very shy (I’m extremely shy and reserved in person–it’s easier for me to break the ice online,) or if you are someone who cannot go out for whatever reason (caretaking, disability, etc.) I would not discount the Internet; however, I would utilize it in the same way I meet people IRL: Meet people through your friends or through groups that share a common interest.
Some good tips here!
Ginette, What you say is OH,SO TRUE. I’ve lived a long time as a person meeting many people. In fact, my husband says Carolyn, theirs never a friend you didn’t meet. I am one who talks to everyone, anywhere and loves to make people laugh, because it helps me to laugh inside. I have always suffered from low-self esteem. Why, can’t answer. I have had many accomplishments in life, but never felt good about me. Life is short and getting shorter and it’s time to reach out farther than just laughter, pleasantries and then goodbye.
I’ve always wanted “hi,by” friends (more like acquaintances, didn’t want to get hurt…nor rejected)I guess it’s time to go for more. Time to try to make a difference, contribute to others in a more lasting way. Yea, it’s time to stop hiding the real me because I don’t want to get hurt. Getting hurt is only something you let happen to you. Heard of teflon…..well, dip urself in it and put yourself out there.
I felt like all of the ideas were stupid. I joined a book club (loved it). It folded. I now have fibromyalgia and am a caregiver for my mother with alzheimers with NO assistance. My husband helps but we can’t go anywhere. Can’t leave her and I’m in too much pain. Boy do I want or need a friend!!!
I liked what Ginette said.
I never really had any friends until I was graduating from high school. About 2 days before I graduated one girl I knew introduced me to a friend of hers, and believe it or not we are still friends at the ripe old age of 71. She has mostly called me more often, though I do need to call her probably every 10 days or so, now to be fair. I now have 8 friends. Two live in Fla who used to live in MA, one of them is the girl I mentioned before. We all need someone to be close to, so reach out and if that person does not want to be your friend, find someone else who will. There’s nothing like feeling real close to someone. Actually, I just thought of another friend who I see probably every other month, now, we used to walk home from Sunday school together, many eons ago. There is also another ‘girl’ who was in the same class in high school. She was shy and I was also shy, then, she said she liked me last year when I ‘blogged’ her and I told her that I also liked her. We met and had lunch together last Nov. You can’t go through life without getting emotionally hurt sometimes, so you might as well reach out to people. Sometimes it’s the people we love the most who hurt us the most, like family,just keep moving on and tell yourself, somewhere along the line I know I’ve hurt someone. Keep on trucking, somewhere along the way you’ll meet your best friend/friends. Barb
Nice, Barb!
Suzanne–there are Alzheimer support groups–that would be a good place to begin. There is the Alzheimer’s Association and local hospitals may have a group; the hospital where I work does. I’ll bet there are also support groups for fibromyalgia. So, all of the ideas are not “stupid”. Caregiving is a challenge; if you don’t reach out and get out some, you can become negative and depressed. People will not come looking for you. You have to look for places. If you REALLY want support, it is out there. Check the yellow pages, home health agencies and hospitals–call and ask to speak to a social worker. Consider, too, that caregiving is a choice. There are many facilities with Alzheimer specific programs. Noone ever reallywants to put someone in a nursing home; but, sometimes it is the best choice. Also, with all of the info on the web, there are helps you there–yes, you do have to look. If you’re not taking an antidepressant and talking with someone professionally, you really should consider it–I say this with care, kindnes, but, also, firmness.As a caregiver, if you don’t take care of you, you can’t do as good at caregiving. Also, do some research on codependence. I’m concerned becuse of your outlook and saying that NONE of the above were any good ideas. If you are so negative, how can you be positive with your mom? There is alot out there;but, YOU have to take the first step. AND look at possibilities. God Bless! Reach out!
I guess you could say I had friends in grade school and high school, not a lot, more like a handful. After I got married 7 years ago, (in my early 40s, for the first time) and after realizing that my husband wanted me to act and be like the close female friend he had (which apparently his mom and HER mom thought they would marry), my concept of friendship kinda changed. In the past, I’ve found that “friends” tend to use you and/or hurt you to get what they want (psychologically, like manipulate). I guess that’s why today my BFF is my mom. We have a good relationship. At my work, at a health institution, the professionalism has changed to one of let’s all be friends. Even in my department. In the past, I’ve learned that it’s not a good idea to be friends with the people you work with because they stab you in the back, end up getting your job, and you are out of a job. So for almost 20 years, I have no one at my work I could call a friend. But being that my husband works a different shift than I, it gets very lonely at home. I’ve returned to college for a degree in nursing, and it doesn’t help that everyone in my classes are 20-30 years younger. How does one make friends with people who could be your child, when you don’t have any?
Hi everyone – I just stumbled onto this site and I am a person that truly believes that God guides you in your daily lives. Well, I have been praying for so long to meet a few really good friends. I have read many of the comments on this site and I have to say that when I read Carolyn’s comments, I thought someone held up a mirror and there I was. I too have a low self esteem and very self conscious and do not have very good social skills. When I was growing up I wasn’t close to my parents and they never had people over to the house or hung out with friends. So, I think I lack the social skills to put myself out there. Commenting on this site is a big step for me. I think that is why I have a difficult time talking with people because I’m so concerned of what people are going to say. Plus half the time I’m not even sure of what to say. I did have a very close friend until a major incident happened and now we don’t speak 🙁 and actually it affected 3 close friends of mine. Now I find myself wanting and needing friendship aside from my family and it’s been so hard to find. I’m not sure even how or where to begin to find long lasting friendship-Help anyone?
Hi my name is Derrick and I need to know how to make more friends can you give me 10 ways to make new friends.
I feel that I have so much in common with alot of your readers. I’m in my 40’s and I suffer from really low self esteem. I feel like I have two personalities. In grammer school/high school I always had alot of really good girlfriends, but through the years they have moved or just drifted away. Now, as an adult I feel some what lost.In social settings I smile and make conversation with anyone I come in contact with. But inside I’m constantly wondering what the other person is thinking about me!! That I am too stupid or whatever. I need to overcome these thoughts because they’re really stopping me from living a happy life. Fufulling friendships are everything in life!Thanks for letting me ramble on..
Eve,
I feel just like you. It isn’t easy anymore. I do like my own company and as a Mom, my kids. But now my daughter is older and wants to hang with friends and I can’t make my son a Mama’s boy for too long, lol..Seems like I do have a few close friends but they are busy or too far distance wise. Or in another case, absorbed in her relationship. So, as a divorced single mom, I tried to join support groups but met with bitter women. I think I get along with men better..but I crave the close friendships most women have because they managed to RETAIN their high school and even childhood friends. I am 42 now and I feel lost but good thing I am don’t feel ALONE when I am by myself. I try to keep busy. But as someone else mentioned seems like nowadays you have your share of many ‘acquaintances’. Anyone watch the movie I love you Man? I feel like the female equivalent of the main character. Anyone relate?
I want to do friendship wiht korean people i am a indian girl and want to go korea i dont no why i feel like i am an korean so one thing i want to tell to koreans that nanun nuhrul sarang haeyo
These are great tips for not only making friends, but staving off loneliness and depression. They are not nearly as scary as some of your readers seem to think. When modified to suit your personality and lifestyle they work.
#5 Get a dog, #7 Knock on doors, and #10 Talk to strangers go hand in hand. Here’s how they work for me. I don’t want the expense and upkeep of owning my own dog, but I walk daily with a neighbor who walks her dog. Our turnaround point is a Starbucks where we greet regulars, some of whom are neighbors I never knew. During the year we’ve been walking, I’ve not only gotten the benefit of fresh air and exercise, but enjoy sharing the friendship of a dog (he looks forward to the dog biscuits in my pocket,)have gotten to know my neighbors and made new friends. It’s been a wonderful experience.