Three Ways to Make a Few Friends

1. Stalk potential pals

No, not the kind of stalking that will get you arrested! But let say you spent a few minutes chatting with another mom at the school play, really liked her and thought it would be fun to get together. If you think you’ll just run into her and make plans, forget it. Make the call. Make more than one call if that’s what it takes. Chances are, she’s in the same looking-for-friends boat you are.

2. Use your pet

We all know that it’s easy to meet people through your dog. But go a little further than just nodding to that other jack Russell owner on the street. Find a dog park. There, owners aren’t walking by, they’re hanging around watching their dogs play-the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation.

3. Go online

Community-based websites, such as Craiglist (craiglist.org), are a boon for friend-making. Check the “groups” or “activities” listings under “Community” for people in your area looking to form a supper/cooking club or a knitting circle, or an extra softball team member-there are all kinds of opportunities if you do a little searching.