The importance of friendship is hard to overstate. Having a circle of friends can provide a feeling of inclusion and acceptance, and offer emotional support during difficult times. Whether we're dealing with a breakup, the loss of a loved one, or another life challenge, having supportive friends to confide in can help alleviate stress and provide a different perspective on the situation.
Friendships can also help boost our self-esteem and confidence. When surrounded by supportive friends who offer encouragement and positive feedback, we feel more self-assured and capable of achieving our goals. Friends are often a source of motivation and accountability, too, and can inspire us to pursue personal growth and development.
Making new friends can be challenging, however — particularly for those of us who are shy or introverted, or as we get older. But the effort is entirely worth it. We can try attending events or social gatherings that interest us, joining groups that align with our hobbies, or volunteering for a cause that we’re passionate about. As we spend more time with new people, our common interests will lead to deeper discussions and connections. With a little patience, we can see new friendships bloom like flowers in springtime, enriching our life in wonderful ways.
Here, we’ve collected 13 quotes on making new friends. May they inspire you to venture out into the world to look for kindred spirits.
You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.A.A. Milne, author
Strangers are just friends waiting to happen.Rod McKuen, poet and songwriter
We need old friends to help us grow old and new friends to help us stay young.Letty Cottin Pogrebin, founding editor of “Ms.” magazine
Each new friendship can make you a new person, because it opens up new doors inside of you.Kate DiCamillo, children’s author
Yes’m, old friends is always best, ‘less you can catch a new one that’s fit to make an old one out of.Sarah Orne Jewett, writer
Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them.Francesco Guicciardini, historian and statesman
A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.Maya Angelou
I’m always on the market for a new friend, period. As your success continues to grow, you start to see who your real friends are. But I’m always looking for wonderful people to have in my life that have no agenda and aren’t fake friends.Lady Gaga
Every new friend is a new adventure… the start of more memories.Patrick Lindsay, author
Getting to know new people and gaining new friends is one of life’s greatest pleasures. So conquer your fears and get out there.Tony Clark, baseball player and executive
I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun.Charles R. Swindoll, Christian pastor
Photo credit: Roman Samborskyi/ Shutterstock
