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7 Ways To Make New Friends

Some people find it easy to meet new people and make new friends, but for others socializing can be a struggle.

Whether shyness or a busy schedule make meeting new people difficult, it's important to try to reach out. Having a strong social network helps us live richer, more rewarding lives. It's also good for our physical health.

Studies show that while work-related and other stress can increase blood pressure and contribute to heart disease, time spent with a spouse, family or friends can actually moderate the effects of stress.

Whether you're new to a neighbourhood or just looking to broaden your social circle, Becel (www.becel.ca) has a few suggestions that will help you make contact with others:

1. Smile at people. A smile is free and it benefits the giver as much as the receiver. You'll probably find that people are more likely to approach you if your "natural" look is happy or neutral than if it's sad or frowning.

2. Hang out at your local coffee shop. You'll get to meet the regulars, especially if you visit at the same time and day of the week, and you'll find out what's going on in your neighbourhood. Or meet a good friend there and shoot the breeze for an hour instead of running weekend errands.

3. Join an online forum for a topic that interests you. You'll learn new things, gather different points of view, and meet "virtual" friends who are as passionate about your interests as you are.

4. Take an exercise class. Training for a run will get you breathing hard and chatting to fellow runners. Stepping on someone's toes in a dance class is a great ice-breaker. Batting around a badminton birdie stokes healthy competition with an old friend.

5. Join your local congregation. If you follow a faith, attending services is an easy way to make regular contact with others. Going with your partner can provide a shared commonality and revive dinner-table conversation.

6. Volunteer. Offer your time to a hospital, a mission, a centre for single moms, a newspaper - anywhere in your community that needs help.

7. Adopt (or borrow) a dog. You'll find your new pup is a great friend and meet other dog owners at the park. You may find that people stop you and your pooch on the street to say hello.

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