How do you make friends?

[FieldOfVision]

This appears to be a common question amongst the socially anxious but it's valid for simply asking for advice. I've always been a shy person with excessive social anxiety.. It was hard enough trying to communicate in school a few years back but adulthood is a completely different realm. I find it easier to write than it is to verbally engage with people. Eye contact seems to be a difficulty as well... and apparently during a conversation I blink a lot. How I stop blinking 🤣? What are some social methods that worked for you? And after making a friend, how do you keep them?

[caring__1]

Finding people online will probably be frustrating to you, as there are many out there eager to take advantage of women like you. The first step is to discover yourself. Once you know what works best for you, and you enjoy, then you can research to find out where similar people might associate.

You can join an interest group, but focus on educating yourself about the interest rather than attempt to connect with people. Your anxiety will diminish when you focus on the activity rather than the connection. You can also volunteer at an organization that promotes a cause you believe in. Once again, focus on the cause rather than any personal connection. By doing these types of things, your anxiety will be reduced, and it will become easier to connect to those who rise to the surface.

You may also want to find a therapist who can teach you effective stress management skills. Become aware of your breathing, and make sure you breath slowly and deeply.

[SnowedIn]

Talk to people. Then keep talking. Don't overshare or undershare. Show them you trust them by entrusting them with something personal. Ask for advice. Notice things about them. Be thoughtful. Remember details. "I remember you said your dog was sick, how is he now?" Compliment them. Don't be afraid to give them the truth. Give them advice when they need and silence when they don't. Make the eye contact. :) Learn their likes and dislikes. Know that it's okay to have the same or different likes and dislikes -- they all don't have to align.

I know that a lot of these things are things you mentioned might be difficult. But they are the important things. Friends is knowing about one another and caring about one another.

Keeping a friend is about maintaining the things above. And it doesn't mean hours of texting every day. It might be one message. Or even one a week. Or a coffee every month.

[Berethor]

Easier to find them on the internet if you shy, and girls are not expected to be confident.

[In_Trance]

Talk to people