Make Friends

Connect, and Stay Connected!
Maintaining a network of friends and family is vital for your mental wellbeing. They are the ones who will pull you through a crisis, listen to your problems, and share your interests and experiences together.

Making new friends
It is ultimately a fruitful and rewarding process when you finally find someone whom you can call a friend.So go on out, and meet someone new!

Here are some tips:
• Join activities of your interest to meet like-minded people.
• Volunteer your time and effort.
• Get your friends to introduce you to other friends of theirs, and expand your current social circle.
• Join chat groups, forums or online social networks to meet people of similar interests.
• Do not be afraid to speak up and initiate conversations. Put on a sincere smile.

Maintaining relationships
While expanding and building on your new-found friendships, do not forget your long-time friends and family. They will be there in times of need, so appreciate them and do not take them for granted.

Here are some tips on maintaining a happy relationship with your friends and family:
• Keep in touch
Send a short e-mail to say hello or make a phone call to show that you care
• Always communicate and be a good listener
Express your feelings and also listen to your friends and family, empathise with them when they are facing problems.
• Plan activities together
Have lunch with colleagues and get to know each other better.
• Give attention to your loved ones and make time for them
Call your parents regularly if you are living away from home. Go on a romantic dinner with your spouse.
• Always resolve any misunderstandings
Learn to accept differing views and it helps to clear the air and prevents relationships from turning sour.
• Always be honest and trusting
It takes a lot of time to build up trust between two persons, but that is a key ingredient to a healthy relationship.
As your friendships develop, make efforts to be a good friend and let the relationships grow in strength. Sometimes it may seem easy and effortless, sometimes it may take a little more to make it work. But never give up, because your friends and family need you, and you need them just as much.