I was always sheltered, so never really made friends how do I begin? (to make friends)?
475390
Assume that people like you and approach them with a friendly attitude. This will make you approachable.  Also, try starting conversations with people.  Remember you are new at this and like any skill it takes time to develop, so don't be too hard on yourself.  Give yourself time to learn how.  It could probably mean a few messes ups and embarrassing moments, but don't take yourself too seriously. Have fun with it b/c the more you do, the easier it will be.
901617
you cant, if they choose not to accept you the way you are then you have to accept that they are not really your friends. dont waste the time and energy on people who cant accept you for who you are. be true to yourself there are amny people out there who are open minded. you will make plenty of true friends.
452023
Relax, a lot of us have been in the same situation.  I was never one to have many friends and because I was one of the smallest in my class a lot of people often tried to pick on me.  I learned that the best thing to do is simply not care about what other people think or say.  I learned to accept who I was and the fact that a lot of people are just mean or idiots.  In the end I had a few good friends and people left me alone because they found out they didn't matter to me and the things they said and did didn't bother me.  If they know what they do affects you then they keep doing it just because they get a reaction out of you.
814557
First off, sit back and figure out why people dont like you.\n\nDo you keep your appearance clean?  Are you friendly to everyone?  Do you participate in school activities? Do you lie or do you prefer to be honest?  Do you make a conscious effort to make friends?  Are you a bully?  Do you do something disgusting at school?\n\nI say if you are trying to make friends, sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone.  If needed, get a life makeover.  CHange the activities you do to get around people with the same interests.  Usually friends are gained when you become a good friend yourself.  When people know they can trust you and depend on you- they usually gravitate towards you.\n\nJust be true to yourself...
26019
Try an online friend service, like friendster or myspace.\n\nThese sites can help you meet other people for friendship, or anything else you're looking for...
969345
Join a group....do you like to workout? Go to the gym...do you have any hobbies? Do you like sports? Maybe there are different teams you can join.....you need to be around some groups of people to make some new friends.....\n\nI hope you find some....good luck to you in the big City!!!
93883
Start posting at a forum first.\n\nYou'll make plenty of friends that way.\n\nBaby steps!\n\nGood luck.
115525
Katie, don't expect to go from super-shy to outgoing all at once. Take baby steps and stretch yourself just a little bit at a time. Practice just smiling at people. Say hello to just one stranger a day as you pass by them. Ask a sales clerk a question, even if you don't really need to. Tell a girl you see that you really like her shoes, hair, nails, etc. - when you see that you get a positive reaction to being friendly, it will encourage you to do it more often. Just remember, not everyone will be open to you because they might be shy, too. But most people are willing to at least smile and say hello to others.\n\nTry some volunteer work - start at your local animal shelter if you feel more comfortable around animals than people. Animals love you unconditionally and can really help bring a shy person out of their shell. If it's possible, and you don't already have one, you might even consider getting a pet yourself. Other volunteer work is also helpful if you're allergic to animals or something - go help out at your local food bank, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, etc. \n\nWorking with people is really important if you want a good job. You have to be able to impress employers during interviews and you have to be willing to stretch yourself beyond your comfortable boundaries. Good luck! :)
389692
Most people find it hard to make friends when they're trying to appear to be someone other than themselves.  The true part of you, the part that makes you different from everyone else, is the part that can be loved.  If you're hiding that part out of fear, then no one can get to know you.\n\n\nAs hard as it sounds, you've got to learn to relax.  You can do this by finding things that YOU like to do, and join a club or take a class in it, or go where people gather to do that.  Then you will meet people who share your interests; and you will also have something to talk about besides the weather. When you start having fun, people will be attracted to you naturally.
1097420
Wanna become an extrovert you say?    Take off your clothes and run through a crowded street.  that outta do it.\n\nSeriously, just smile at everyone you meet and be friendly.
34467
I will never say I know HOW IT FEELS , IT MUST BE hell , i gone to a simmiler but much less experiance , & i helped my self through three ways ( as much i figured out anyway ) :\n1. joined a sport club ( i said to my self where was i all my life , not doing this earlier)\n2. make easy , active life style without stresses (why should i figure why that freind didn't call back ? i just let the freind go)\n3. joined social community service (only once a mounth i go help someone )\nLIVE STRONG
612035
I know that this sounds SO cliche, but just be yourself. If you wanna make friends & be accepted, let it be for who you really are & not what you aren't... It's much easier that way & plus, a big self-esteem & ego booster in the end. AKA, the ppl you meet & who like you, will like you for YOU.\n\nBe friendly, open & honest. Don't be afraid to smile someone's way or to be the first one to come up & say, "Hi, my name is _____. How are you?" \n\nBeing able to relate to situations make great conversation starters as well. Such as if you're in a long line at admissions. Don't be afraid to smile someone's way & just say out of the blue like, "I think graduation will come before this line will move."\n\nAlso, asking someone something about themselves or commenting positively about something they're wearing, etc, is always a big plus. Naturally, we all like talking about ourselves & ppl like it even more when someone else initiates the self-gab-monologue, LOL. If you're ever stumped on how to get the ball rolling on this one, just pick out something interesting about the person, for example, if someone has a t-shirt that says they've been to Maui, don't be afraid to say, "Oh cool, so have you been to Maui?" If they have, ask them what it was like. Don't be self conscience if you've never been there. Happily admit that you've never been there, but say you have always wanted to go. Or if you have been there, share your experiences. And if the Maui thing backfires & they've never been there, but you have, again, give 'em some tips of places that are a must-see if they ever go, or what you liked most, etc.\n\nAlso, a good tip to making friends easily & making lasting relationships w/friends is again, finding a way to relate, or something to connect on. Try to strike up conversations w/ppl that belong to groups/club/activities that you are interested in. Also, if you aren't in any of those activities, JOIN. For example, you have a love for music & theater & your campus has a performing arts club, SIGN UP.\n\nGood luck to you in college. Sometimes the experiences, friends & relationships that happen there teach us more than what we learned in class ;)
102940
I would set up an account online to make friends, put yourself into a local category so that you can make friends in your area fast. I have this same problem because a lot of the people my age (17) are not serious about college and usually do a lot of drugs and like to party a lot, where as i would rather watch a movie, go out shopping and dancing and stay clear of the things like drugs etc that get your mind of track. \nGood luck to you. Be a friend and you will make friends easily. You sound like a very nice person I am sure you will have no problems making friends.
864540
well if u don't allow email or im's , how do u make friends?
393177
Open the door and walk outside. It's as simple as that. There's an odd mix of people all around you and everywhere you go. It seems like you got locked into a comfort zone, regarding your social group. Interact with people you normally wouldn't at the places you normally go (i.e. school, shopping, work, gym, club, and yes- even at the bar). Good luck.
510947
making friends is very good and very nice!\ni hope you'll find more friends!\ni can be your friend too!
987242
join a yahoo chat room. talk to new people and eventually friendships will evolve. It is easy and very exciting to do this when your getting new friends online. Many will be on your friends list if your respectable and mature.