If you are an introvert, you must be happy with being alone, and you can find many activities to do independently. However, there comes a time and a place where being alone too much is not good for your mental, physical, and emotional health. And that means that even introverts crave human connection. If you are an introvert and depressed that you do not have many or any friends, you are not alone. Yet, the idea of going to parties and going out there to mingle and meet new people to develop friendships is a scary one for you. 

But the good news is that there is an easy way to connect with others without having to do any of those things. No one says you have to make friends by attending parties or large group functions. 

Making New Friendships As An Introvert Is Not Hard

As an introvert, you may think forming any new friendship is impossible because you are not the sociable type. However, being alone too much is not good for you, as mentioned, and even though you may enjoy your own company most of the time, you should share your world with someone else. No one said you should have a set number of friends. If you have one or two good friends you can trust, you are doing well. Therefore, finding new friendships as an introvert does not have to be difficult, but there are a few things you need to do before taking the plunge. 

Remember Quality Over Quantity Wins

You will want to evaluate your reasons for developing a friendship. For example, you may enjoy playing video games. However, it would be nice if you could have someone else in your life to play games with, as it would make the experience richer. Therefore, you want to make friends with someone who can add value to what you love. Furthermore, you do not wish to form a friend who will not give something back to you (and to who you cannot provide anything), which is why it is better to have a few closer or even one more intimate friends than too many superficial friends who you can use to go to places. As an introvert, that idea may not appeal to you anyway. 

There Is No Need To Expand Your Interests

You may have been told by well-meaning people such as family members to “break out of your shell and expand your horizons.” but if you have a few interests such as writing, art, or listening to music, then you do not need to expand your interests to make new friends. Instead, you will want to find friends in shared-interest groups, online, or if you are open enough to attend classes for those interests. 

If you do not have any interests, you will want to expand your horizons a little bit to add more enjoyment to your life. Be open to the idea. For example, if you like to write, start writing during your spare time, and join a writing club. Then, you can meet some others who share that common interest. 

At The Same Time, Don’t Fear Trying New Things

If you already have some interests and hobbies, then, as mentioned, there is no need to expand your horizons further. Instead, join some groups or clubs that will help you get in touch with others with whom you could potentially develop a friendship at the right time. However, that does not mean you should close off the possibility of trying something new. 

You do not want to force yourself to try something new when you are dead against it. However, don’t allow fear of coming out of your comfort zone a little to stop you from trying new things. For example, if you happen to love writing and you make a friend in a writing class, and they also love wall-climbing – why not try going to a wall-climbing event with them one day? You may be surprised about the fact that you could end up enjoying it too. That is why you do not want to close the door on opportunities to try new things. While trying to make new friends, you will also want to remember that you have a lot to offer. 

Know Your Strengths

You may not know what you can offer others, which can influence your introversion. But here is the thing. You can offer a lot more than you think. If you look deep within, you will see that you can make a good friend. For example, if you know you are a good listener and non-judgmental, you will know that is one significant reason someone can trust you. If you can remember that about yourself, you will be more willing to go and attempt to make a new friend because you will see that you can be a good and supportive friend to someone in need once you look closely at your traits. 

When You Make New Friends, Don’t Forget The Important People In Life

Expanding your social circle with a new friend or two can improve your mental and emotional health since even introverts need to have others in their lives. However, you do not want to risk forgetting about those important people in your life if you happen to make a new friend or two. On the other hand, you don’t want to get too busy with them to the point that you will not have time or energy for the existing people in your life, such as close family members. Therefore, when you want to go and make a new friend, you will have to remember that the new friend will never be a replacement for those important people in your life. Therefore, you will need to work on finding a balance between making time for your friend, essential people in your life, and yourself. 

You can find that beautiful balance that will enrich your life and help you form better relationships as a result.