HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS as an adult

Our guide to making friends and influencing people

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Making friends is one thing when we’re kids, but as we head into adulthood it can sometimes get a little tricky. But if you want to expand your social circle, it’s something you can do at any age.

In her book, The Mindful High Performer, motivational speaker and meditation coach Chelsea Pottenger explains how to reach your potential in all areas of life, including socially.

“When we truly connect with someone, it feels pretty great, right?” Pottenger says. “We can enjoy an easy laugh and a sense of confidence is shared. While your ability to build rapport with someone depends on having a bit of natural chemistry, research also points to several human factors that can increase the level of warmth and trust between two people.” Here, Pottenger explains how to make new connections.

ASK QUESTIONS

Whenever we meet a new person, our brains do some fast work to decide how to react. Do we recognise their face? Are they a threat to us? Are they like us? In sociology, this is seeing someone as part of our in-group. When you are meeting someone for the first time, I encourage you to ask enough questions to find things in common with them so you can get a better sense of who they actually are.

MIRROR BODY LANGUAGE

Not only does mirroring someone’s body language help you feel like you are on the same wavelength, it also shows that you are engaged and listening. Make sure you use a subtle approach here.