What are some ways to meet new friends?

You can make friends with people you meet in your social network. Think about people you've talked with, even just a little, who you liked and whose company you enjoyed.

You may make new friends and feed friendships you already have by doing the following:

• Stay in touch with people with whom you've worked or taken classes.
• Get back in touch with old friends.
• Reach out to people you've met and enjoyed at social events.
• Meet your neighbors.
• Make time to reconnect with family members.

If you think of someone you'd like to know better, reach out. That first step is often the hardest. But it might be easier to take than you think. Ask people who know both of you to put you in touch with a text, email, phone call or visit. Invite the person to coffee or lunch.

To meet new people who might become friends, go to places where people gather. Use more than one way to meet people. The more you try, the easier it gets. And the more you're likely to succeed.

Keeping at it also matters. Reach out instead of waiting for others to come to you. Keep trying. You may need to suggest plans a few times before you can tell if a new friend wants to be with you.

For example, try several of these ideas:

• Go to events in your community. Look for groups or clubs that gather around an interest or hobby. You may find these groups online, in the newspaper or on local message boards.

  There also are websites that help you connect with new friends in your neighborhood or city. Do a Google search using terms such as [your city] + social network, or [your neighborhood] + meet ups.

• Volunteer. Offer your time or talents at a hospital, place of worship, museum, community center, charity or something similar. You can form strong links when you work with people who have interests like yours.
• Give and accept invitations. Invite a friend to join you for coffee or lunch. When you're invited to a social event, say yes. Then return the invitation.
• Take up a new interest. Take a college or community education course to meet people who have interests like yours. Join a class at a local gym, senior center or community fitness center.
• Join a faith community. Then go to special activities and get-to-know-you events for new members.
• Take a walk. Grab your kids or pet and head outside. Chat with others you see along the way. Or go to a popular park and talk to people there.
• Calm your nerves. If you're nervous about meeting new people, you may be tempted to stay home. Use deep breathing, yoga or other mind-body techniques to help you relax.

Above all, stay positive. You may not become friends with everyone you meet. But being positive and reaching out can help make the relationships you have better. It also may help you make friends with people you meet.