Stranger Friendly

Want to be someone that a stranger would like to make friends with? Then make an effort to:

1. Ask about their life and interests-talking about the latest film you have seen is often a good way to get conversation started.


2. Withhold some of your life story. If you share it all the first week, you may come across as too intense - and in a few hours you will have radically reduced your number of talking points.


3. Listen, don't just talk - it will make the other person feel as if you find them interesting.


4. Make an effort to accept invitations, even if you feel a little uptight about going somewhere alone.


5. Call a second time if your first phone message wasn't returned - maybe the person is shy or has been busy. Use the excuse that your voicemail has played up and you have six messages you can't retrieve - was their one of them?


6. Smile - it will set a nice warm vibe and help you feel more confident.


7. Be positive - even if you are feeling down - otherwise you might give the impression you are after an agony aunt rather than a friend.


8. Let the person know you have enjoyed their company - that way they will be clear you like them and want to pursue a friendship. This can be done by calling or sending an email to say "Thanks, I had a good time and would love to catch up again."

"No matter how wide your social circle there is plenty to gain from making new friends."