Making Friends in High School
Next year, I’ll be starting high school, and I’m thinking a lot about how I want to approach it socially. There’s a girl in my class who seems to be friends with all the teachers and basically everyone else—she’s really outgoing. While I don’t want to copy her exactly, I’d love to be more approachable and talkative like her.
I’ll also be attending a brand new school for a program I’m excited about. Since I won’t know anyone there, I see it as a great opportunity to meet new people without the past connections I have from my previous school. I’m even considering trying out for cheerleading!
With that in mind, I’d love some advice on how to make friends in high school. I’m hoping to form a small friend group of about 4 to 6 people. Any tips?
It’s great to hear you’re excited about starting high school and are already thinking about how you want to connect with others! Here are some tips to help you make friends and build that small friend group:
Be Open and Approachable: Smile and make eye contact with others. This simple body language can make you seem more inviting and friendly.
Participate in Activities: Joining cheer or any other extracurricular activities is a fantastic way to meet new people with similar interests. Being part of a team or club helps create a shared experience that can spark conversations and friendships.
Start Small Conversations: Don’t hesitate to initiate conversations. You can start with simple topics like classes, homework, or fun weekend plans. Ask open-ended questions to keep the dialogue flowing.
Be Yourself: While it’s great to admire someone else’s social skills, be true to yourself and let others get to know the real you. Authenticity is appealing and helps you build genuine connections.
Find Common Interests: Look for others who share similar hobbies or interests. This could be through clubs, classes, or even casual meet-ups during lunch.
Be Friendly and Inclusive: Invite classmates to sit with you or join in on a group conversation. Being inclusive can help others feel welcomed and will encourage them to befriend you.
Stay Positive: Try to maintain a positive attitude, even when things feel challenging. Positivity can be contagious and will attract others to you.
Be Patient: Friendships take time to develop, so don’t rush it. Focus on building connections and getting to know people instead of stressing about forming a whole group right away.
Remember, high school is a big adventure, and you’re not alone in wanting to make friends. Many other students are likely feeling the same way! Good luck, and enjoy the new experiences ahead!