Ways in Which to Make Instant Friends

The Breakfast Club

If you have never seen 'The Breakfast Club', then you are deprived and live a sad, pathetic life. Yes, it is harsh, but the truth hurts my friends. The first time I saw this movie was in my high school's literary magazine staff class called 'Runes'. I instantly fell in love with everything about it. Not just because it's a totally awesome, classic 80's movie, but how deep it gets. I love how every character is from a different walk of life and none of them are satisfied with themselves. It's like they all have issues and somehow by getting to know people different then them, they realize their faults and decide to change. 


Lately it seems that I am in the exact same situation that these kids were (minus the Saturday detention and ornery principle). Going from knowing most of the people in my graduating class, to being in college and knowing only a handful of people is a hard change. And unless you know who you are and what you want out of life, it's almost impossible to find where you belong.


So now I lead you into all of the awesome things I have learned about getting to know new people during my first year of college...


1. Make eye contact and smile. Seems simple, but sometimes I'm so busy with life that I completely ignore the people around me. Looking people in the eye and smiling not only shows that person that you are confident, but that you are approachable. Nobody wants to talk to the stone-faced grouch on the train ride home. When people are talking to you, stay focused on their eyes, it lets them know you are interested in what you have to say. There is nothing more annoying than someone who flips out their phone in the middle of a conversation and tunes out everything you are saying.


2. Compliment, compliment, compliment. Flattery can lead you to a lot of places in life. Especially when making friends. Even if you don't know the person, tell them you like their shoes, or their earrings, or the color of their hair or eyes. People like getting compliments, and when you say nice things to someone they automatically remember you as the nice person who made them feel good. Be nice to EVERYONE! We are all human beings, on the same planet, with the same dreams and hopes. Never for a second believe that you or someone else is better than others. I know this sounds cheesy, but we are all in this together, and you never know who may need your kindness. 


3. Go out and do things. Join a club, volunteer, go dancing, sign up for an art class... there are a million things you can do to meet new people. This past week I joined an LDS sorority and I have already made fast friends! Just being associated in the same organization makes connections. And often times when you go out and do the things you love, you will meet people who love just the same things. Instant conversation starters... instant friends!


4. Just BE yourself! Don't worry about what other people may or may not think of you. Who cares about them? So just go out there and be you! True friends are the ones that know you best and still put up with you. 


5. Most importantly, just enjoy the little things in life. Laugh at your mistakes, keep your friends close, make no enemies, and just love life. You only get one after all. Why not make the most of every possible moment?