Sometimes, you outgrow your friends. Your interests change, your attitudes evolve, and you simply don’t have as much in common as you once did. Other times, you just need a change of scenery.
The people you spend the majority of your time with have a huge impact on more aspects of your life than you realize. Your close associations can affect your daily habits, your physical fitness, and your career ambitions, among other things.
If you spend all of your time hanging out with people who think everyone is against them, you’re going to start thinking that way, too. On the flip-side, when you’re surrounded by positive people who have great attitudes, you’re naturally going to have a more positive attitude. After all, attitudes are contagious. You are the product of the people you surround yourself with, and that’s a fact.
If you find yourself craving interaction with new people, or feeling like your current social set is bringing you down or turning you into a pessimist, maybe it’s time to stop running with the wrong crowd. You deserve a joyful life, and the people you surround yourself with directly affect your overall happiness. Maybe it’s time to start building some new friendships, but if it’s been a long time since you made a new friend, you might think, “How do you do that, again?”
Back when you were a kid, it was simple: you just walked up to someone on the playground and said “Hi. What’s your name? Do you like slides? Let’s go!” That was it. You were friends.
The good news is, making friends is still almost that simple. Finding people with whom you share a common interest is a great way to make new friends. These days, your interests are likely to be more sophisticated than “slides.” But still, the principle is sound. So, how do you find those people? Well, why don’t you start by looking up old friends you’ve lost touch with?
At first, it may seem as though getting in touch with old friends is an odd way to make new friends, but think about it: you and your old friends had a lot in common, and enjoyed each other’s company. That’s why you were pals in the first place. And since you last spent time with them, they’ve probably made some new buddies who they relate to well. Odds are good that you’ll find you have something in common with them, too.
Plus, it’s often easier to forge new relationships when a mutual friend is there to provide the introductions. When you meet someone for the first time, knowing he or she carries the “seal of approval” of someone you trust lets you bypass much of the typical vetting you might normally do when getting to know new people. If your friend likes them, chances are you’ll probably like them too.
Not sure how to reconnect with your old friends? We have an answer for that, too! There are so many websites and online resources for finding and reconnecting with old friends. Some of the better people search engines allow you to simply enter your old friends’ names to find an address, conduct a phone number search, and even access public records! Then it’s time to pick up the phone, and schedule some time to catch up. Soon enough, you’ll be out with their friends, and you will find a group that brings you up, shares your goals and dreams, and provides value to your life.
So if you’re ready to change your social environment, say goodbye to Negative Nancy and get in touch with your old friends (and their new friends) today!
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
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