Ask one of your classmates to help you with a particularly difficult math question. Ask someone in your last period class if they can give you a ride home from school. Stay persistent when you’re trying to make friends. It might take weeks of saying hi and striking up conversations before you start becoming friends.
Figure out their basic interests, activities they enjoy, and who their current friends are. That way you can bond over shared interests. Try asking something like, “What do you like to do in your free time?” You can also ask, “What do you usually do when you get home from school?” Try seeing if they share one of your hobbies by saying something like, “I love playing video games – do you play any?”
Sit with them at lunch, walk to class together, or try to meet up before or after school. Invite them to an outing you’re going to with your existing friends. An outing is even better than hanging out at school because there are no classes to distract you.
Join the same activities at school to spend your free time together and share an experience. For example, if your new friend plays Ultimate Frisbee and you like to exercise outdoors, join the UF team as well. Invite your friends over for dinner or for a slumber party. Take a weekend trip together to see your favorite band play.
If you’re upset about something, call your friend and share it with them. If you think your friend is upset about something, make yourself available for them to share it with you. Offer your help if possible, saying, “I see how complicated that situation is. Know that I’m here for you if you ever need to talk. " Make sure that you listen to other people with acceptance and avoid judging them as well.
Smile when you see your friends so they know you are happy to see them.
Show up to birthday parties, graduation parties, and any other celebration that might be happening in your friend’s life. If you can’t make it for whatever reason, let your friend know ahead of time. Bring a little gift to school for your friend on their birthday to show that you care.
Being a reliable friend will help you build strong friendships more quickly than just about anything else.
This will also help your friends’ parents to like you. Be diligent about getting your homework done and offer study with your friend if they seem to be having trouble in school.
To reconcile with someone, you will need to apologize, talk with your friend about what happened, and find ways to prevent a similar situation in the future.
