Hi user11760,

I am the same way!!

OK, here are two good ways to make friends:

1. Find another person like you (sitting by themselves/quiet/independent) and hang out with them. Alternatively, find a person who needs help (school problems/in a jam/stuck by side of road) and help them out ~ later ask how they’re doing.

2. With the people you met through #1 and #2, plus a few more likely people you already know, plan a get together (movies/game/event). I know this is hard, but once you’re on a roll, you will keep doing this ~ call everyone and say, “Hey, a bunch of us are going to movie/game/event.” Now, first of all, everyone likes to be invited someplace. Even if they secretly dislike you (rare) they will usually bow out ONLY if something else is already planned. Don’t get discouraged. You may get three “Nos” and a couple unanswered (for now) calls/texts. But someone will say “Yes”. Great! Soon you’ll have a group of three or even four.

We have to work to make friendships happen and continue. It’s less organic the older we get. I know it’s a bummer. I’m forty-something and I have to FORCE myself to call the peeps I already have!! It’s tough being an introvert. But trust me, once you initiate, your friendship life will expand!

Good Luck,

Inky