Everyone has the need for companionship and friendship is the core of all relationships. And yet with all of the billions of people in the world millions are lonely. People are seeking out how to make new friends on a regular basis. So how do you make new friends and where do you find them? You start with you and you become your best friend. You treat yourself the way you want others to treat you. Be kind to yourself and start your day with positive words to yourself. Here is an exercise that you should do everyday when you wake up. Get a hand mirror and look into your mirror and tell yourself, “I love you” (say your name) be sure to look into your eyes when you say these words. Continue to say positive affirmations of things you want to have be or do in your life as you look into your eyes while saying these things to yourself. By doing this exercise you are speaking to the inner you and will soon be experiencing your self talk in your everyday life. Next you should take good care of your best friend (yourself) by exercise and good nutrition. I will not go into detail in these two areas as that is individual as to what your needs are but if you feel good and look good you will be good to others as well. Do what you love to do for you as far as activities. Don’t go to places where you think people are to meet potential friends. You might find people but not necessarily people that you have common interests with. So just be who you are and go to places that you have interests in and the people will be there for you to meet and you will make new friends. You can start today wherever you are and in whatever you are doing just by saying hello and being friendly. As time goes on you can invite them to coffee or whatever you enjoy to just chat and get to know each other. Make it a point to meet a few new friends as you will want to have more then one in case they have other plans or are busy. Besides it will help you to grow as a person to have friends (plural) in your life. Try to have opportunities to be able to talk as well as doing non communicative activities as this will help you to grow and build lasting friendships for years to come.

Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love, and be loved, is the greatest happiness of existence. ___ Sydney Smith