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Building Friendships | Friendship Building | Ashley Franklin Wellness

Building Friendships Through Consistency and Shared Interests

Ashley Franklin, MSW, LICSW, CIMPH

Sep 25, 2024

Making Friends Through Consistency 

We typically make friends wherever we spend the most time. Consistency is key in forming new relationships. The best advice is to pick a place and go there at the same time every week. This could be: 

● A bar 

● A church 

● A class 

● A sport 

By being consistent and putting in the hours, you increase your chances of making meaningful connections. 

Reflection Activity 

1. Choose a Place: Identify a location or activity you will commit to visiting consistently. 

○ Location/Activity: ______________________________________ 

○ Day(s) of the Week: ____________________________________ 

○ Time(s): _______________________________________________ 

2. Define Your Friendship Goals: Think about what qualities you are looking for in friends. 

○ Qualities/Values: _______________________________________ 

○ Interests/Hobbies: _______________________________________ 

Finding Friends with Shared Interests 

Engaging in activities where you can meet people with similar passions or values is another effective way to build friendships. Volunteering is a great example of this. 

Volunteer Activity 

1. Identify Volunteering Opportunities: List areas where you might like to volunteer. 

○ Volunteering Opportunity 1: ______________________________ 

○ Volunteering Opportunity 2: ______________________________ 

○ Volunteering Opportunity 3: ______________________________ 

2. Commit to a Schedule: 

○ Opportunity: ___________________________________________ 

○ Day(s) of the Week: ____________________________________ 

○ Time(s): _______________________________________________ 

Action Steps 

1. Visit Your Chosen Place Regularly: Commit to your chosen location/activity and attend regularly. 

2. Engage in Conversations: 

○ Introduce yourself to new people. 

○ Ask open-ended questions to get to know them better. 

3. Reflect on Your Experiences: After a few weeks, reflect on your experiences and any new connections made. 

○ Positive Interactions: ____________________________________ 

○ Challenges Faced: ______________________________________ 

Building Relationships 

1. Follow Up: 

○ Invite new acquaintances to join you for another activity. 

○ Stay in touch through phone calls, texts, or social media. 

2. Be Patient: Building friendships takes time. Continue to put in the effort and remain open to new experiences. 

Final Thoughts 

Making friends is about consistency, effort, and finding people who share your interests and values. By committing to regular activities and engaging in opportunities that align with your passions, you increase your chances of forming meaningful and lasting friendships. 

Remember: Building friendships is a journey, not a destination. Keep an open heart and mind, and enjoy the process of meeting new people and forming connections.