How to Find Happiness – Making Friends and Meeting New People

September 21, 2010 | Posted by peterg

Key #11 to Happiness - Making Friends and Meeting New People!

We humans were never meant to be alone. We are made to interact with other people and are much happier when we do.

I can sure relate to this one. I had the pleasure of working from home for almost 20 years, which, at the time, I truly enjoyed. As the years went on, however, I realized I wasn’t meeting new people – and thus, not making many new friends. Being isolated 8-5 Monday through Friday wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. My wife worked from home too and we really began to long for opportunities to make new friends and rub elbows more often with interesting people.

People who are isolated have more of a tendency to be depressed and not feel good about themselves. I know this was true for me. Sure, spending quiet, private time daily with the Lord is essential, but overall, it is important that we resist the urge to avoid others and spend most of our time alone. For most, it leads to serious disillusionment and loneliness.

Some of you who are reading this article might think that no one likes you and therefore you are hesitant to meet new people. There are some people who seem to make new friends very easily. For others, however, it seems impossible. If this describes you, I want you to know that this is a lie straight from hell. First of all, Jesus likes you and made you just exactly the way He wanted. He loves you no matter what you have done…or haven’t done.

God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Corinthians 1: 9

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. James 2:23

Others will like you too once they get to know you. We all have good and bad qualities, including the new people you meet. Only one Person is/was/and ever will be perfect…and His initials are J.C. All of the people you will meet have their own set of insecurities and challenges. They want to make friends too but feel uncomfortable about allowing themselves to be seen by new people.

Will you get along with everyone and have everyone like you? No way. At the same time, why not make an effort? When you do, you will meet some great people and some will even turn out to be true lifelong friends.

Here are some Bible verses:

A friend loves at all times, and is born, as is a brother, for adversity. Proverbs 17: 17

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart. Proverbs 27: 9

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27: 17

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:9-10

Reaching out to meet people:

As I said before, most people have their own issues and often will not approach you. You’ll need to make an effort. In fact, most likely, you’ll have to make the first move. I know it can be scary. Heck, I’d rather everyone reach out to me too. But 99% of the time, they’ll even tell you how much they appreciate your effort! You might want to invite people from work to a barbeque at your house, or give them your business card and ask them to have lunch sometime.

Where to meet people:

We’ve met some great friends going to the dog park or at a church picnic when you’re standing around eating food. Just get out. Go places where people are.

How to meet people:

This isn’t really deep but…just say “hi, my name is…!” Give them a compliment on something you like about them or something they’re doing. Also remember, people like to talk about themselves. Be interested in them…pretty soon you will discover an interest or something you have in common. Focus on them and you’ll make lots of friends. If you hit it off, invite them out for coffee or lunch, arrange to get together or just give them your card or phone number.

Once you get to know people, make an effort to cultivate your friendships. Get together with at least a friend once every week or two. You might have to initiate these invitations, but remember, you’ll be the one that will be more fulfilled and happier for it.

I recently practiced what I’m preaching as my wife was out of town visiting family for a week. It can get pretty lonely when we’re by ourselves, so I decided to invite several people over that have not seen for a while. All of us were blessed by this outreach with a good time and great conversation, plus we got to know each other just a little more.

Keys to happiness exercise:

Ask God for help and courage (ask Jesus into your life if you have not done so already. He’s the best friend you’ll ever have)
Look for a church that you can meet people. Stick around after service and introduce yourself.
Go to some events or places where people are and start conversations. If you have a dog, visit the dog park.
Make a plan to call and invite current friends you would like to spend time with.
Pray to God that He will help you make new friends.