Good Morning Lovelies, 

If someone was to ask me if I am an extrovert or an introvert, I would have to say I am probably a bit of an introvert. I tend to get a bit scared meeting new people or being in big gatherings now. Something I think has come from the mental health issues I suffer from. However, there are the odd times when I love being around people. 

I adore doing things that bring the whole community together. Especially around the different holidays and seasons. During the Christmas period, I organised a living advent calendar, which introduced me to lots of people on my village. I’ve helped run school events, took part in festivals and fetes. I’ve even travelled around to make friends and meet new people. All of which leading to new connections. 

Whether virtual or in real life, I love to make friends. I think that no matter where we are in the world we all need someone. It doesn’t matter what age, race, sexuality or gender, we all need friends. Many of which who end up making up families. It can be hard to make friends as an adult though. 

We seem to forget the innocent ways we did it as children. I know I fear going up to new people at times though when I was younger get that was never the case. I wanted to be around people all the time. So, I have taken the decision to try and reproduce those younger years in 2024 by looking back at what I have done to make friends in the past. Gathering five of the biggest helps I have found, I wanted to share them with you all…

Find Your Group Online: Whilst many people put social media down, it can be a great tool for making friends. One of the most amazing people I know came from simply chatting online. I’ve reached out on Instagram, the blog, emails and Twitter to make friends. Some I’ve met and others I haven’t, however, it is amazing to know that they are there for me and I them when needed. 

Reconnect With Old Friends: After I left sixth form and went to university, I found that I lost touch with many of the close friends I had at school. A lot of them went off to different parts of the country whilst I stayed at home. This made it a little bit difficult to stay in contact, a fact that has left me really sad over the past few years. In 2023, I decided to just message them all. I wanted to extend an olive branch so to speak. Now, we are rebuilding our friendships and I’m so thankful we can do that. 

Speak To Anyone and Everyone: I struggled a lot during the worst stages of my depression and ED to connect with anyone. I was so low that I didn’t want to talk to people, even those on checkouts. I lost all emotion and sadly was preparing to die. As I’ve worked hard to get my personality back, I’ve found myself speaking to everyone and anyone about everything. I smile, laugh and interact with them in ways I couldn’t have done four years ago. Of course, I find it hard still a lot of the time, but when I do interact, I find it helps build me and my friendships back up. Next time you are at the checkout try to reach out and make small talk. I’ve found the more I do it the better my ways of making friends gets better. 

Neighbours Can Become Good Friends: If you had told me three years ago that we would be as close to one of our neighbours as we are now, I would have called you a liar. Across the road from us, we have an amazing family led by my mum’s new best friend and work wife Casey! She has helped rebuild my mum’s strength in so many ways. Often on a Saturday night or during the week, you will find them chatting away over a cup of tea and biscuits. Simply by talking to each other occasionally, they have grown to be like sisters. Casey and her family are now a massive part of our family. I call her my surrogate sister and my mum’s new daughter. Just a simple reach out to those closest to you can really change your life, definitely for the better. 

Organise an Event or Meeting: Always wanted to host an event or an idea you have had in your local area? Do it! By simply taking to Facebook and asking people if they would like to join in has led to many new friends. People have spoken to me more and my confidence has grown from it. By running the advent calendar, I saw and praised the creative people around me. Heading into my old primary school to host a plate competition, I got to connect with teachers and the children to help celebrate their talents. I’ve showcased local businesses and helped when I can. By doing this, everyone has had the chance to meet and connect with new people. Even if you don’t make a new friend, you might help someone else do so. A fact that is very very rewarding. 

Believe me, I know how hard it can be to make new friends or connections. As I said, I still struggle with it daily. Yet, by following the above steps,it has got easier. I can see the old me coming back and I love that. I love knowing that I have a support network and so does my mum on the days we may struggle. 2023 was a very hard and emotional year for us. Our friends and the new connections we made though made it so much better though. 

I hope that in 2024 you can make a whole host of new connections lovelies in fun, safe and happy ways! You all truly deserve that special person to make your days better! 

Joey X