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🤝 How to Make Friends

Simple Tips to Help You Connect and Feel Included

💬 You’re Not Alone

Everyone wants to feel liked. Nobody enjoys being left out.
Here’s the truth: you’re not the only one who wants to make friends — and there’s nothing wrong with that.

But if you try too hard, people might pull away. Not because you’re doing anything wrong — but because it can feel a bit clingy, even if you don’t mean it.

So how do you make friends without overdoing it?
👉 By being yourself — and trying a few easy things that help others feel good around you.

😄 What Are Friendly Kids Like?

Friendly kids are easy to be around.
If you talk to them — great. If not — they’re still kind and calm. They treat everyone well, not just one person.

They don’t chase friendships. They let them grow naturally.

Friendly kids seem:

• Happy
• Relaxed
• Fun to be around

🌟 Things Friendly Kids Often Do

• 😊 Smile often
• 💬 Say kind things (and mean it)
• 😂 Laugh at jokes, even the silly ones
• 👋 Say ‘hi’ to lots of people
• 🤝 Offer help with little things
• 🕹️ Include others in games or chats either on or off line
• 👀 Notice what others enjoy
• 🎲 Suggest fun ideas
• 💪 Encourage others
• 🙋 Join in with group stuff
• 🧘 Stay kind, even when things go wrong
• ✨ Don’t show off
• ❤️ Celebrate when others do well

Childline’s friendly guide on how to make friends

🧪 Want to Make More Friends? Try These Tips for Shy Kids:

Pick two or three things from the list above. Try them this week.
Watch how others react. Some will smile back. Some may not — and that’s okay.

👣 Friendships take time. The more you practise, the easier it gets.  Some more tips if you feel worried or fearful approaching other kids

🏃 Quick Tips on Making Friends After Bullying :

• Be friendly to lots of people, not just one
• Don’t rush — real friendships grow slowly
• 😊 Smile — it makes you look open and kind
• 🗣️ Say something to someone new
• ✨ Be yourself — you’re enough

Friendship problems at School

If you’re feeling lonely or down because making friends hasn’t come easily, you’re not alone. These emotions can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve experienced bullying or exclusion. It’s important to remember that your mental wellbeing matters just as much as your social life. For extra guidance and reassurance, you can explore mental health support for young people from YoungMinds — they offer free advice, practical tips, and real stories from others who’ve been through similar challenges.

Feeling Left Out On Purpose?

Sometimes, friendship problems go deeper than just a few awkward moments in the playground. If you’ve been left out on purpose, or feel others are ignoring you, this might be a sign of exclusion bullying 🔹 — a common but hurtful type of bullying that can affect your confidence. You deserve to feel included and valued

🔹 If you’re finding it difficult to speak up or approach new people, try some of our confidence-building tips 🔹. Small steps like making eye contact, smiling, or asking someone to join you in a group activity can really help. Everyone feels nervous sometimes, especially after being treated badly.

🔹 If things feel heavy or you just can’t seem to shake that lonely feeling, it’s okay to ask for help. YoungMinds’ mental health support for young people 🔹 offers brilliant advice and tools to help you manage your feelings and feel more in control again.

🔹 You can also check out our advice on what to do if you feel left out 🔹 — it’s full of ideas that can help you navigate tricky group dynamics and make genuine friendships that last.

💭 Final Thought on How To Make Friends

You don’t have to change who you are.
Just be the best version of yourself — and keep trying to get along with others. Especially new people.

That’s how real friendships begin.