Making and keeping friends isn’t always an easy task. Sometimes, you have to put a little work into it. If you’re looking for some simple ways to build genuine relationships (and keep them), try these five tips:
Show Up
Simple, right? Get outside every once in a while and do something other than the same routine. Play a sport, go to a mixer, or join a club. Do whatever it takes to stay in touch with people.
Work in Public
Sometimes you need to put your head down in a quiet place and get things done. Other times, however, you can set up on the patio of your local coffee shop and make room for people to show up randomly. Allow the unexpected to happen.
Pick Up the Phone
When you want to chat with somebody, don’t just shoot them an e-mail or text message. Get a friend on the phone and listen to each other’s voices.
Send a Note
A Facebook wall post or an encouraging e-mail is nice, but nothing compares to a thoughtfully handwritten note. Go the extra mile to show people you really care.
Learn to Cook
Going out to grab a bite is great, but there’s something profound and intimate about inviting friends into the sanctity of your own home to share a meal made by your own hands – even if all you did was slide a frozen pizza into the oven.
KENNY SILVA is a residential real estate agent, full-time seminary student, and author of Launch Your Life: A Guide to Growing Up for the Almost Grown Up, a gospel-centered book aimed at helping recent college grads navigate the tough transition from college to real life. Kenny lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife Suzanne and is currently pursuing God’s call to pastoral ministry.