My old friends introduce me to their friends, or they talk to me first. I don't know how I have friends tbh. I'm so bad at striking up a conversation and keeping in contact with anyone

I thought this thread would have more of this, tbh.

Through connections I guess. My friends introduce me to other friends or if you're in a situation where nobody know each other e.g. First term of college, it's easier to make friends and form bonds especially as you spend longer time with each other.

I've said this on ATRL before but sociologists know that the key ingredient to developing/maintaining friendships is frequent interactions. So when you're young, it's school. When you're older, it's work. If you don't have many friends/don't like the friends you do have, consider changing schools/jobs. It might seem like a weird reason to move/quit, but people who love school/their jobs usually do so because they're best friends with the people they go to school/work with. Waking up every day and going to see your friends doesn't even feel like work.

Literally me right now, as a result of leaving schools and ****. Like, I kind of feel like I don't even have that person I can hit up anytime to hangout with me for the day.

But, as with all relationships, you can't force them. You need to just put yourself in social situations, be friendly, and find common interests. You often get back what you put out there, and if you're not, that person who isn't reciprocating probably isn't someone you want in your life anyway.

This is literally me, I made like 10 new friends when I started college and we hung out like everyday as a group. A year later I speak to none. Happens every year. I'm terrible at keeping friends, its like once we don't have matching schedule or class together everything falls apart.

Cliques suck! Those friendships probably would have been stronger if you spent time with people on a more one-on-one basis.

That's actually really good advice. I could see myself stealing that one.

School is probably the easiest way

usually just through friends, school or work, or drugs/alcohol/going out

i didnt even make new friends last year. im stuck with the same ones

Tbh it's all about talking to people. Or do something that you enjoy (I'm gonna assume you're in High school) and join a club or other extracurricular things. I made so many friends due to stuff like that in HS (ESPECIALLY BAND).

i have the same problem cause im very shy and anxious and cant keep friendships

Mine either

if you're in college or high school, try joining a club. it can be a really big help. also, go to events/games like festivals, because you can meet a lot of people there in a relatively low-stress environment (with an easier pace than a party).

you have to put yourself out there. it's pretty rare for friends to just come after you. i know it can be tough, but you're never going to get anywhere if you just sit and wait.

Basically. Having something in common is the easiest way, then the friendship grows from there.

Usually the gym or through other friends.

I wish I could tell I never approach people, they approach me

If you have a friend who has friends, you can become friends with your friend's friends

Make small talk, compliment people for little things like an accessory or piece of clothing they are wearing, ask personal but not too intruding questions like where they are from or what they do for work. Those things make people feel appreciated and happy and make them open up to you, you may even find that u have something in common from there. I've noticed this so much ever since i started my new job, sometimes u just have to get beneath someone's surface a bit and then youll see a big smile on their face

Just be genuine and go into every social situation without worrying on if you will be rejected or not