"I just talk to the them…Smile frequently…”
--Shara, 13
"First I see someone I want to be friends with, and then find something I can talk to them about. It usually turns out for the best.”
--Andi, 13
"I’m pretty good at making friends, unless of course they don't want to make friends with me. Then I struggle. Like last year on the 1st day of school, there was this new girl Marisa and I tried talking to her. All she said was like 'Hi' and said 'Yeah' or 'Bye.' I felt really offended because I thought it was me. My friends all tried to comfort me, like Susan said 'Let it go,' and Jake said 'She’s just a stick in the dirt.' but I never forgot that. I guess I am a friendly person, but I still feel sorry for Marisa…”
--HisGirl101, 11
"Well, the way I make new friends is that I walk up to a person and say a nice hello. But my advice for people who want to make friends is to use caution: I had made a friend named Anya and it turned out that she was a gold digger!”
--Rachel, 11
"One of my best 6th grade friends, I met him in an odd way…but I need to thank technology. Once, the kids in art class were talking about AIM, and of course, I prefer MSN…and I got the address of one of the few people besides me who use it. Later that night, we talked for hours and hours, and really got to know each other…and we continued that relationship in school. Unfortunately, my district has 6th grade in elementary, and my friend moved at the end of 6th grade, so, as a result, I’m in my second month in middle school. I’m trying to find someone like me, hopefully I will some time soon. If not, I know I can turn to you people!”
--Ken, 12
"When I’m having a party or something, I sometimes invite girlz I want 2 get 2 know better. That way I get 2 see how they really are, not just how they are when there are grown-ups watchin them.”
--QueenKitten
"I am very bad at making friends. I’m not friendly or social or anything. All the friends I have I've had since 1st grade. My friend Hannah and I have known each other since we were a year old! My friendship with her is definitely the longest one I've ever had. I have been hanging out w/ the same ppl ever since we were 6. Well, I have a couple of friends outside of school that I’m really close with because of e-mail (God's gift to the world jk) and we've only been friends for 3 years but that's okay. @ school I just keep to myself except @ lunch, which is when I see my friends. I work on my novel during class (don't tell my teachers!) and I don't talk to almost everyone unless they talk to me first.”
--MistressOfAllEvil
"When I make friends I say hi and be really nice to them and then they're friends with me. As for example one time I asked this girl called Hae-ju if she wanted to play with me and she said yes, and at the end of the school year we were best friends.”
--Hannah, 8
"You can make friends by talking to other people a lot and being friendly. Use names often. Ask them questions about their favorite sports, music, bands, etc.”
--Irene, 10
"Well I made a lot of friends but they all are at church and now I cannot see them at all. And they were my only friends because I am homeschooled. But here are some tips: say ‘Hi’ whenever you see them and then ask if they will be your friend.”
--Emmie, 10
"I’m shy, so I don't really do anything -- the kids at my school are, well, scary -- not the kind of people I want to be seen with.”
--KStarr
"I don’t really know n that’s a problem cause I’m starting school in a new town this year n I need help!! I’m kinda shy so dat’s a prob. Mostly the only way I make friends is by them coming n saying hi 2 me. Plz help. How am I supposed 2 make knu friends @ my knu school? :-(”
--Amy, 11
"You shouldn't make friends just for the sake of having more friends. Pick someone who you can have long conversations with, and have fun together. When you talk to them, say their name a lot; don’t say ‘Hi, how are you?’ but ‘Hi, Sarah, how are you?’ It helps because they feel that you’re really interested in their answer and aren’t just trying to make light conversation.”
--Rebecca, 12
"The way I make friends is I just be nice to them, and most of the time after that they want to be my friend.”
--Audrey, 8
"When I was in fifth grade I switched schools and I got put in a class where the kids used swear words and were really mean! Then I made friends with a girl named Samantha and then we got in a fight! Then another girl named Rebekah helped me make up with her but then Samantha switched schools so now it's just me and Bekah. But Bekah says she might switch schools when we get into grade 8 or 9. Oh yeah! And I have NEVER made friends with a boy, although I am sort of a tomboy so sometimes I want to hang out with them, but they always say 'No'. Oh well…I have 'imaginary' friends to keep me company.”
--Dale, 13
"How do you find friends that really appreciate, understand and love you for who you are?”
--Kendra, 12
"I find some excuse to talk to them.”
--LeeAnn, 10
"You simply say ‘Hi,’ and see if they want to play some time.”
--Carly
"Be kind and open to others. Your attitude reflects back, remember that!!”
--DeAnna, 10
"Well, there aren't many kids in my neighborhood, so I just know how to make friends in a new school. I lay low and basically smile at people those first three days. And the next week I go up to the people I want to be friends with. You might think, ‘Don't lay low! You're missing an opportunity.’ But this is how I've always done it.”
--Jacqueline, 12
"I think it’s harder to make new friends when you’re older than 8, because little kids usually don’t think about what the other person is going to think about them, and older kids do. If I think someone would make a good friend, I just compliment them and ask my mom to talk to their mom about us being friends. BIG TIP: parents WILL help.”
--Amanda, 11
"I like to make friends by starting with a simple ‘Hi,’ and then it turns into a conversation which turns into a FRIENDSHIP :).”
--BLB, 10
"I let the other person talk first. If that doesn't help, then I go up to them and talk to them.”
--Lindsay, 10
“I sit down next to them and ask their name and then we start talking. Or if they are in a conversation and they look like they want more peeps with them, I will join in.”
--Livigirl, 12
"I have to see her first and tell her why I want a friend. And she has to tell my why she is my friend.”
--Menatullah, 13
"Me and my older sister are 'the outcasts' in school, so it's difficult to make friends. A lot of people in my class like me but think I’m kinda weird! Anyways, one time a friend and I got in a REALLY big fight! And this girl in my class named Rebekah, she helped me and my friend make up! Then my friend moved away so now it's just me and Rebekah!”
--'DW', 13
"How I make friends is be nice to everybody.”
--Cutey, 12
"How I make friends is give them a compliment (only girls), and if it’s a guy I say something whatever it is. And I say ‘What’s up? (only guys)’ and if it’s a girl I say ‘Hi.’ Try it! I hope my idea works.”
--Russell, 13
"I tell them where the last school I was at and what I like, and at least 3 people out of the class become BFF's with me.”
--Shelby, 10
"I’m quite a shy person so I find it hard to make friends. I mostly make friends through my other mates. I also make friends by sitting with people, saying hi to them or just asking them how they are.”
--Bryony
"Someone in my class named Beste don't have friends and I don't either. My best friend started changing a lot and she didn't play with me. I tried to be friends with Beste but all Beste wants to do is hang out with the mean and popular kids. I have another friend named Ksusha but she only plays with me a little bit. Now I feel all alone so I just sit on a little bench all by myself and sometimes I build sand castles with three girls named Rachel, Jenny, and Yunyun. When I go home I tell my mom I have no friends but my mom said I will be your friend. But my mom can't play with me because she has to cook dinner and lunch. I feel very sad. Can you help me IML?”
--Hannah, 8
"I watch and observe people. If I like the person that I can see in them, I'll slowly approach them and start talking to them and stuff. That's how I have all the friends that I have. Like for example, at camp there are these two girls that were also in camp last year, but I didn't really know them too well. I watched them a little this year and we all ended up being good friends and are looking forward to seeing each other next summer.”
--Anonymous
"I say: ‘Hi, what’s your name? How old are you?’ And I tell them my name and everything.”
--Emmanuela, 10
"I just try and make them listen to me and sit down somewhere private and sort it all out so that we don’t keep on fighting every time. And when I finish talking I ask them, ‘So are we friends then?’ And that’s how I make friends. Well I hope you try my idea when you break up with your friends again, and if you do, I hope it turns out the way my idea. Bye, I think I answered your question.”
--Lisa, 9
"How can I make a best friend from just talking?”
--Kyle, 11
"Well, at first I don't say anything until it's important to them because I’m kinda anti-social. So I just sometimes watch them or sit with them during lunch and observe their traits. If I find the traits I like in a person, I ask them to be my friend. I did this in 6th grade and that’s how I got my best friend, Billy.”
--Aenas, 12
"This is how I make friends. I say, ‘Hey how old are you,’ and ask their name and what they like to do. And just be nice! And be yourself. Just make sure you don’t make the wrong friend. That’s what happened to my best friend.”
--Sara, 8
"I think it’s very easy 2 make friendz. All u have 2 do is just be friendly. It’s easier when ur an outgoing person. But if ur shy and quiet all the time people will think ur weird.”
--Viviana
"A way to make new friends is to approach them first and say ‘Hi,’ or something nice. If you go up to them and say something nice and they are mean to you back, forget them!”
--Bernadette, 11
"I have a platonic friendship with 28 girls that already have a boyfriend. I just want a girlfriend really badly. What should I do?”
--Joel, 12
“Be nice and find out what you have in common.”
--Linzy, 9
"How do I make good friends that are cool, but don't do bad things?”
--Claire, 11
"I just act friendly and then gradually we become friends.”
--Daisy, 10
"Be nice and treat them the way you want to be treated.”
--Alec, 10
"I say ‘Hi,’ and give a friendly smile, tell them my name and ask them theirs. I sit beside them in class and ask them to join me at lunch. At lunch we talk about things we like and our siblings, then exchange phone numbers. And I call them the next day to say ‘Hi,’ and see if they wanna come over.”
--Haixley, 11
"Well this new girl came to school in the middle of the school year and her name was Ashley. She is black. I didn't really know her, but me and my friend Susan had heard bad things about her. Like from this other girl in her class said she was mean to her, and then THIS GROUP OF GIRLS SAID SHE WAS ANNOYING. We knew she couldn’t be that bad, so we tried talking to her, and found out she’s really nice!! We had no idea why those other girls thought she was so bad! About 2 months later, we figured it out. Ashley hadn’t really been trying to be annoying, just wanted friends. And that is exactly what she deserved, so Susan and I hang out w/ her once in awhile, because now, those girls who thought she was annoying are friends with her thanks to us. So, we really didn’t help make new friends for us...but for other people, and I think that is the golden rule.”
--Midry, 11
"My first day of middle school was scary, but then I just started talking to pple that seemed interesting. And then you just start hanging out with them more and more when you become friends!”
--Maria, 12
"My and my friend Krystal had a water fight in school and she got caught by the teacher and I didn’t, and it was the end of school and I didn’t have time to own up. The teacher that caught her is on sick leave and she’s totally ignoring me. We were the best ever friends, and now I feel like someone has cut a hole inside me, plz help. X.”
--Rhiann, 13
"I talk to them. I say hello when I see them in the street, talk good all the time for them. I talk to them in MSN and invite her to come out with me, or invite her to come in my house for awhile.”
--Hannah
"I just ask them their name and if they could be my friend.”
--Micheal
"What I did was get involved in a lot of things, like sports and school clubs!”
--Steph, 13
"How to make new friends: well, you should walk up to the person you feel is going to be a good friend and have a conversation. And if that doesn't work out, just go talk to another person. If there is no other person, walk to a random person. If there's a special group you wanna be in, go talk to them. Be nice and agree, but also use your own voice to statements you think aren't nice, etc.”
--Melanie, 13
"I find a girl that seems interesting and I get to know her. That's how I met all of my good friends.”
--Alexandra, 10
"When I was little I used 2 ask people ‘Want 2 b friends?’ Now I just talk 2 people.”
--Melissa, 12
"I think u should be nice with everybody. U could also enter a club in your school so u could make friends who have the same hobbies.”
--Leana, 12
"Well I start by just saying ‘Hi,’ then letting them play with my toys at recess. If someone is being mean, I help them. I use this strategy and now I have lots of best buddies.”
--Kiana, 9
"I just be friendly and play with them if they want to.”
--Annie, 10
"I don't do anything. If they really want to be my friend, instead of getting the answers to the next science quiz, they'll come talk to me. I've made at least 17 new friends this year that way.”
--Dean, 12
"If I want to be friends with somebody, I'll go up to them and smile and introduce myself and say, 'Hi! What is your name?’ And just be as friendly as possible. :).”
--Jewl
"I say, ‘Hey, I am Morgan, wutz ur name?’ That gets a conversation in.”
--Hi
"I’m just myself. I don't try to be something I’m not just to get friends. I’m gonna have to do this again, ‘cuz next year I’m going to high school! There's more people there, so I figure there's gotta be someone as crazy as me, ha ha!”
--Maya, 13
"I try to hang out with different people, and usually I find someone I like best of all, and we become friends.”
--Anonymous, 10
"I just like to be myself. Being someone you’re really not may cause people to think bad and mean stuff about you. It's just better to be yourself instead of pulling off some non-real jerky other person.”
--Tattianna, 12
"There was this girl, and a lot of people thought she was kool, but she happened to never hang out with anyone. So in one of my classes that I have with them I started a conversation on how much we knew in the class. And then the next thing we knew, we were all hanging out at lunch and she was kool and very interesting, although everyone I normally hang out with stopped hanging out with her and they would push me out of the picture. It was ok."
--Anonymous, 13
"What I do is, if I see someone I think I might want to be friends with, I go up and ask what they're doing. Then if they¹re playing a game, I ask if I can play. After I ask them their names and tell them my name, we start to play. After a while if I get a piece of paper and a pencil, I ask them for their address and phone #. And we're friends."
--Brittney , 11
"What I do to make a friend: I talk to them about what they like, comfort them when they’re sad, talk to them when they’re mad, and greet them if they’re new.”
--Kamilah, 10
"Listen to them and they will listen to you. I've gone through a lot of friendships, and trust me, I know.”
--Marsha, 11
"Well what I do is I start talking to people that look like they’re fun to hang out with, and ask them about stuff, and see if I trust them.”
--Nathalia, 9
"Be friendly and find something you can talk about together. Then you can start hanging out.”
--Olivia, 12
"I can't make friends at camp very well. The words don't come out right. I asked a person if they like bears and they ignored me. Please help me!!!!!!”
--Alison, 12
"Talk about what they like and other stuff, and playing with them, dancing with them and having dinner with them… and thanking them for the gift.”
--Carly, 11
"I am a talk-a-holic, so I just start talking! If they're anything like me, they'll have something to say and join in. That worked for me at the beginning of middle school. I started school with like 4 friends, and now I have nearly 20!”
--Talia, 11
"Sometimes friends are hard to make. A good start would be to introduce yourself to the person you meet and then maybe to plan a conversation. If it begins to continue, then that might be a friend. Giving compliments is good too. Oh, don't forget RESPECT!”
--Carmen, 11
"When I want to make new friends, all that I do is introduce myself, and if they want to know about me, they'll say 'hi' back in a friendly way. If they do, I know that they want to be friends. After I introduce myself, I tell about myself. Last month, in the beginning of April 2005, I was new at my school. I made friends easily, because I was nice. If you want to have new friends, I have some advice. Be nice, don't be shy, and just let them get to know you. If you want to be a snob, then I don't have advice. If you want to be nice, be nice. If you want to be a snob, go ahead, be a snob. I don't care. It's your decision.”
--Devin, 10
"Well I make friends easily. I just walk in a room and it’s like people just notice I’m not a snob and don’t care what other people think. And they just glom onto me cause I’m likeable.”
--Lauren, 13
"Be nice. Don’t ignore them. Listen what they have to say.”
--Rachel
"When you want to make a new friend, you can play with them and you can talk to them or you can sit with them to make them comfortable. You can invite them to your house or you can be her or his best friend ever!!!!!”
--Nabilah
"Just be yourself and show them you want to be their friends and always look happy.”
--Jessica, 11
"I make friends by being nice to them and helping them do things. I just sit there and talk to them and be nice and I am going to tell you something that will probably sound crazy to you but it’s true. Me and this one girl named Lisa wanted to tear each other’s head off last year and now we are like really best friends because of how I make friends. We are so close that we would do anything in our power to help each other.”
--Muriel
"You need to be nice and be natural so that people don't get the wrong idea. There is this one girl named Laci at my school and I think she only picks friends because of how they look. Her friends Shanda and Michelle are like that too.”
--Amanda, 12
"Smile and be friendly to everyone and people will notice you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
--Mercedes, 13
"How to make friends…come on that’s easy. Don’t act all stuck up. Be yourself. Just don’t be a freak, unless you’re around your true friends, or if you are a class clown. Then you can be a funny freak. But all you have to do is be nice. That’s it. Don’t be stuck up like I said, cuz no one would like you. Worry about other people more than yourself, then you would be the nicest person ever. I have a friend, she is stuck up. But I left her, so there’s an example. Don’t be stuck up and you will be the best person ever!!!!!”
--Kelly, 13
"What I do to make a friend is being nice, kind to them and listen to their problems and see if they want to be friends.”
--Alexandra, 10
"I laugh at people’s jokes, even if the jokes don't even make sense. I try to include everyone when me and my other friends are talking or playing a game at recess.”
--Kayle, 11
"One time in 1st grade there was a new girl coming in the middle of the year. Her name was Abby. I showed her around the playground and sat by her at lunch. For the rest of the year we sat by each other in class!!!!!!”
--Ali, 10
"Making friends is simple: just say hi and start talking. It may be slow, so to speed it up, ask if they can do something abnormal, like if they can wiggle their ears. It's a real conversation starter!”
--Carli, 11
“Try to be nice and friendly or make a few jokes.”
--Holly, 11
“I was very shy and I found the best way for me to make friends is to just open up and be myself. Don't care what everyone might think.”
--Arianna, 10
“I make friends by smiling @ dem n I ask dem their name n we just start talking.”
--Stephanie
"I make friends by asking them their name, their age, and what they like to do. Then I make that person laugh, then ask if they would like to do something with me. I did those things with a new girl at school, Marisa, and now we're great friends!”
--Mallory, 10
"The first thing I do is to go and talk to them and make a few jokes, then I start a conversation with them. Otherwise I show them what cool things I can do. (Or gross ones too.) And keep talking to them every day and sit with them during lunch and that’s how you slowly, yet surely, reel them in. GOOD LUCK!!!”
--Jinx, 13
"I make friends the weirdest way. I made a friend today at my school dance. I asked him what song it was and he said he didn't know. We started talking and became friends. I think he's hot. Shhhhh!”
--Jill, 11
"I make friends easily, especially if they are new. I just go up to them and say hi! They are sure to answer back. After that I just state my name and ask if they were in any of my classes, definitely if they are a boy.”
--Portia
"Approach them, let them get to know you. Talk to them and you should be friends in no time!”
--Dominique, 11
"I just try to be nice and act cool and there you go, friends."
--Stella , 12
"Actually, I start most friendships because they think I’m a girl and girls are easier to make friends with in my community."
--Russell, 12
"I start talking to them and then I make some jokes to make them laugh. Also, if the new girl is staring at me too much I just tell them do you have a staring problem or something. I hate it when people stare at me. Some people say that they stare at me because I am pretty. Love you!"
--Sheyla, 11
"I usually ask them what they’re doing if I don’t know them and ask them if I can play and whatever. They say sure and then they realize that you’re a fun person to be with or if you stick up for them that can make friends 2."
--Blake, 13
"I have always had trouble making friends because I never know what to say!"
--Kirstie, 12
“Just make sure you are picking the right person. Once I said hi to a person and we played at the basketball game. She took me behind the wall and told me that if I was her friend, I was going to have to do everything she did. No way.”
--Taylor, 10
“Well, I'm having trouble with that too. All I'm saying is that if there are some kids playing at recess, ask them if you can play. If they say no, they're probably not friends. Also, you might want to get to know somebody from your class and play with them or talk to them at recess or join up with them as a partner for a project.”
--Basra, 11
“A good way to make friends is to talk to them and just don't be shy. THEY CAN TELL WHEN YOU’RE SCARED.”
--Brittany, 12
“Just go up a person who is all by themselves and introduce yourself and you will probably have a new friendship!!! And most important be yourself. I know that’s what everyone is saying but I tried being something that I was not and you just end up lying to everyone, even yourself.”
--Lola, 13
“I just go up to people and tell them my name and ask them to be my friend. Don't be shy, it will work. I made lots of friends that way!”
--Alex, 11
“I make them laugh. I tell stories about funny things too. Really that is what I do.”
--Stephanie, 9
“I be who I am, and if they like me, great!!! If they don't, then they are the ones who are missing out.”
--Yonit, 11
"One easy way to make a new friend is to join a club at your school. You'll find a friend who is interested in the same things you are."
--Emma, 11
"I make friends because I CARE about people and SHARE my things. I HELP and I am GENEROUS!!!"
--Kevin
"The best way to make new friends is to be yourself! If you just wanted to become friends with a certain group of people and change who you are for them, then you really aren't happy on the inside. By acting yourself, you can see who true friends are or can be!"
--Vanessa, 11
“To make friends, I just be myself and hope they will accept me for who I am I guess.”
--Britt, 12
“If I want to make new friends, I would just go up to the person and say hi. I met this girl named Jessica today and that's exactly what I did. Now I hope we are in some of the same classes (we are starting middle school soon).”
--Liz-Ray, 11
“I think that the best way to make a friend is to make them feel welcome. For ex: If you’re playing a game with people that you already know, don't just leave her there standing by herself. Invite her to play with you. See, you have to reach out to them instead of waiting for them to reach out to you. If you just wait for them to talk to you, you won't be very likely to make a lot of friends.”
--Courtney, 13
“I go out with them and I talk to them on phones and stuff like that.”
--Tina
"What I did to make friends was to be myself and be me. When you want to make new friends, never hide who you are from them. Let it out. Because being who you are is letting people know who they are seeing is very important."
--Ave
"First things first, you HAVE TO BE YOURSELF. DON'T and I mean DON'T be someone you're not and if they don't like who you are, well that's their loss. DON'T be shy. I used to be shy but it doesn't help when trying to make new friends. I'm not shy anymore and I make friends really easily. Last but not least, make them laugh. Everybody likes people who make them laugh."
--Courtney, 11
"When I was in 3rd grade, I didn't have any friends but on the last week of school, I made one. I think a good way is during recess, to ask if you could play with them and then don't act like you're the center of attention."
--Jennifer, 9
"BE WHO YOU ARE!!! Never fake it and don't be shy! You'll never get anywhere!! Always be yourself and if someone can't accept you because they think they are cool, that's they're problem, not yours!!!"
--Rachel (llama), 12
"I make friends by being friendly and making others laugh!"
--Jacob, 9
"Making friends can be sooooooooo hard sometimes but it's really worth it."
--Stephanie, 11
"I just walk up to a girl who looks shy and say something like, 'Hi, I'm Lindsay. Do you want to sit by me?' or, 'I like your necklace. It looks very nice on you!!"
--Lindsay, 11
"I act like the big clown that I am and that attracts people. I am the class clown and I am glad because people like clowns. I keep my friend Gabby hysterical by shouting nonsensical things, singing weird songs I make up as I go along, and saying things to make her laugh on purpose, like, 'I have an idea! Lets arrange brain transplants! Won't that be fun?' Gabby used to be an acquaintance but I 'won her over' by being nonsensical and funny. Since I'm naturally like that, I'm being myself."
--Anonymous, 10
“First of all, don't be shy. Most people will not know that you’re shy and think that you don't want to talk on purpose because you don't like talking to them or something.”
--Sandra, 13
“Although it's rather cliché, it's good advice...BE YOURSELF. Then you'll meet friends who like you for YOU. That's what matters.”
--Andrea
"One rule: BE YOURSELF! A friend is someone you feel comfortable with, not someone you have to put on a show for!"
--Olivia, 12
"I started in a new school when I went to the 4th grade. I started there in the
middle of the year so no one knew me. No one seemed to notice me, so I simply
tried talking to the kids and soon almost the whole class was friends with me."
--Daniel, 12
"Hi I just want more friends and this girl said that she liked me and she dumped me."
--Kacie, 10
"I try to mingle with kids. If that doesn't work I try to show my athletic skills (or something you're really good at)."
--Duchana, 11
"On my first week I was really lonely because I was new to the town. After a while, I noticed a kid getting bullied around. I went and helped him to overcome the bullies and now I'm his friend."
--James, 13
"Be nice, share, and especially KEEP YOUR PROMISES. Play with everybody who wants to play with you. Include everybody especially when somebody is alone."
--Alyssa
"I would usually go up to a person who is sitting by themselves or whatever and try to start a conversation."
--Leigh, 12
"I start by asking the person's name and maybe start talking and I may ask the person if she/he wants to be my friend."
--Manny, 11
"If you see someone on the playground that is lonely, go and talk to them."
--Chanatjit, 9
"One day I just started to talk with this girl I did not know and I asked her a few questions. Then we started hanging out at recess. Now I am her BEST FRIEND!!!!"
--Maria, 11
"When I am running and I see someone, I run into them and they become my friend."
--Kushal
"If I wanna make more friends, I just go up to someone I don't know and say, 'Hey, I don't think I know you but what's your name?’ I am just a bold person so I will just walk up to anybody. But be careful with who you walk up to."
--Ashley, 13
"Well, it takes time to make new friends. First you need to be real nice and kind-hearted. I know because I give advice at school a lot and everybody comes back telling me that it worked. I used to be alone until I read a book about how to make new friends and I found some friends. You should pick friends that like you by the way you are, not by what you have or how you look on the outside. Don't worry, you'll find good new friends. I promise!!"
--Natalye, 12
"It's different with different people. If you're a 'talker,' just say hi and introduce yourself."
--Anonymous
"If I am on the playground and see someone just hanging out without someone and not really having fun, I go up to them and say, 'Hey! What's your name? My name is Marie.' That is how lots of my friends became my friends."
--Marie, 13
"I help them out with things"
--Sarah
“I say hi and try to play with them and let them do the rest.”
--Sierra, 9
“Start a conversation!”
--Jaimie, 12
“If you want to make new friends or have friends, then most definitely do not be a brat. Don’t be bossy or do things like that, then people will want to hang out with you.”
--Shirley, 13
“I say hi and try to play with them and let them do the rest.”
--Sierra, 9
“I talk to people. If you don't talk, how will people get to know you???? One more thing, be yourself!!!! If you don't act like yourself people will think of you as a totally different person. Have fun making friends!”
--Meghan, 10
“If you want to be popular like me (you know, the friend popular, not the mean popular), then follow these steps: 1) Smile at everyone in the hallway at school. 2) Wave to people.
--Tyler, 12
"If there was a new kid in the class, I would just start to talk to them and get to know them and then tell them about myself. I would also hang out with them until they make friends with you."
--Nikki, 11
“I ask them if they want to be my friend and tell them that I’m nice.”
--Laura, 10
“Just be open!!! Plus, don't always wait for people to come to you!!!”
--Shakoa, 12
“Just get involved! If there is a certain hobby or sport that interests you, dive right in! There is lots of different stuff to do! It's a great way to meet friends and have a lot of fun!”
--Kate, 13
“I try to help people out and be nice so they be nice back. That’s how I make new friends.”
--Seiricka, 11
“To make friends, you have to truly try to not be with them just to get their food, money, or anything else. You have to give and not always take. You have to try to agree with them instead of starting an argument. To make a new friend, try to start having a conversation, then see what's in common.”
--Christine, 12
“Tayler, just go up to them and say, ‘Hey, do you wanna hang out today after school or here at school like at recess or something?’ If they say yes, then you have a friend. Here is a nickname for you if u don't have one yet: ‘Tater Tot’. C ya later. P.S. I hope you get some friends:):):):):):):):):);) Just remember to be nice so they will like you. You should know that. LOL;)”
--Ethan, 10
“STEP ONE: you ask them to be your friend and if they say yes then you can play with them. STEP TWO: if they are mean to you, say ‘I don't want to play with you anymore and I don't want to be your friend anymore.’ If you have a good friends list and a bad friends list and they are your friend, put her or his name on the bad friend list. If they are not your friend, put her or him on the not friends list.”
--Mindy, 10
“Easy. I just get together with them and we become friends.”
--Page, 9
“I first ask them if they want to be my friend and they say yes.”
--Brenda, 10
“The way I make friends is if they look nice and a enjoy being with me. That’s what I think.”
--Ilisha, 11
“What I do to make friends is to talk to them, and hold good communication. We become best friends.”
--Britnee, 9
“I am friendly and I buy them ice cream.”
--Gennesys, 9
“When I'm at school some kids treat me so mean. I hate it when they do that to me. I wish I had a good friend who treats me right.”
--Martesa, 11
“I have never really had to make any friends because I have stayed in the same school all my life! I practically know everyone in my school. My BFF's have been by my side ever since I could remember.”
--Emily, 12
“I ask them what they like and see if we have anything in common. I also tell by their personalities. It always works.”
--Krystal, 10
“How to make friends: First you need to be very nice, then you share with them a lot.
You play nice together and finally you be friends together.”
--Cathleen
“I would say, ‘Hello. What’s your name?’ and ask her do you want to be my friend.”
--Merissa, 9
“Take a chance. Go and say hi. What’s the worst that can happen? Besides, if you’re cool they’ll suck up so you won’t have any problem making friends. One more thing, just be yourself. That’s all. Thank you for reading this. Bye and good luck.”
--Natasha, 11
“I think it is important to make new friends but still have old friends.”
--Kellie, 8
“I try to introduce myself and get to know them enough so I can be their friend. I also try to be a friend. That’s the most important thing for a friendship.”
--Danielle, 12
“If you are wondering how to make a friend, I can help. First you walk up to them and say hello and introduce yourself. It’s very easy. If they ignore you, don’t make friends with them and find someone else to be friends with. Trust me I’ve been through this.”
--Layla, 12
“I like my friends because they are really nice to me all the time.”
--Jessica, 12
“Here’s some advice on how to make friends. First, you smile really nicely and say, ‘Hi. What's your name?’ Then you wait for they're response. Then you say your name. If you’re too shy to do this, then ask a friend that you know to do it for you. If your new to the school and don't know anybody, then I can't help you.”
--Ayanna, 9
“You can ask a lot of people to play with you and be best friends.”
--Ashley
"When I was in fourth grade there was nobody in my room I liked. I went up to this girl I had never talked to before and asked if I could sit with her at lunch. She said yes and her name was Mallory. Mallory and I talked about ourselves and we became good friends. Now I am in seventh grade and Mallory and I are still best friends."
--Ashley, 13
"I'll approach them and say hello, and then I'll ask them what their name is."
--Adam
"I would treat them nice."
--Tracy, 10
"You need to talk to the person you want to be your friend."
--Kevin, 10
"What I do to make new friends is just be as nice as possible to everybody that I meet. I know how you feel because I'm new at a Middle School this year and there's a lot of unfriendly people. It's hard to know who I really want to be friends with. Good luck!!!"
--Teresa, 13
"It's easy. All you have to do is be nice and kind and self-confident. Kids will probably want to be your friend."
--Brice, 11
"I don't really know. When I made friends it was when I was in the pool, but if you want to be pen pals, then I would make a good friend online."
--Taylor, 9
"Don't be shy. Talk but don't act dumb. See where that gets you an0 if that doesn't work then I don't know."
--Lori, 11
"To make new friends, don't try to be popular or someone you're not because it doesn't work. Believe me, I tried it in 1st grade and didn't get very far. The best advice is to just be yourself. Let the kids around you see you for who you are. They may not like you at first, but given time they'll come around. See if you share a common interest with any of the kids you want to be friends with, but don't try too hard."
--Laura
"It doesn't matter if you're popular or not. A lot of people think being popular is everything. I'm kind of in the middle."
--Katie
"I walk over with a smile and say hello. I tell them my name and ask for theirs and try to start a conversation."
--Caddie, 9
"Be yourself, but if you're mean don't be yourself."
--Jamie, 12
"The way we make friends is to be nice to everyone. Start with one person and then when this person knows how kind you are, he/she will tell his friends and then you will have many friends."
--Sara, 10
"I talk and listen and ask them questions about themselves and most importantly am really nice."
--K.J., 9
"All you have to do is go up to some people and talk. You have to start a conversation."
--Dee, 11
"If you offer to be their friend they might except your offer."
--Melissa
“I just wait for people to come and talk to me, or I get one of my friends and have them introduce me to their friends. It's really not that hard. If neither of those work, just introduce yourself to someone, but only someone who looks and acts nice. If they're mean don't make an effort to befriend them.”
--Serah
“What you have to do to make new friends is to start to talk to that person and maybe the next day keep on talking together. That’s how I became friends with many people. I hope this will help.”
--Maria, 10
“What I do to make new friends is I just ask them to play with me.”
--Gabriel, 12
“First of all, you have to be a little outgoing. Find a kid who's standing by herself and go over and talk to her. They're probably new. Nobody needs friends more than the new kid at school.”
--Alley, 11
“I just go up to them and say, ‘Hi, I’m...’ and you just introduce yourself and then say, ‘So do you want to play with me and a couple friends?’, you get the point. You just start hanging out and be yourself. Don't try to be the person they want you to be. Just be you!!”
--Krissa, 10
“Usually, I find a group near me talking about The Simpsons TV show. I love it so much. I go and start talking about my favorite episodes and ba-ba-ba BAM! Instant friends!”
--Lindsay, 11
“Just be friendly and talk to them.”
--Kat, 13
“I usually just try to be myself. If they don't like me for me, then that is their problem. The friends I have now are so awesome sometimes I don't feel like I need any new ones but it's always good to meet new people and stuff.”
--Marie, 11
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