With the age of social media and all things delivery I know first hand how important it is to get out there and make a friend or two. Watching my children making friends looks effortless on their part. They introduce themselves, and instantaneously, they’ve got a best friend. Me on the other hand, the uncertainty of the endeavor is always a challenge. It usually takes me a few months of getting the lay of the land to even attempt to make friends. If I do not have all my ducks in a row, it’s hard for me to concentrate on making friends. Hello adulthood!

However, when I do venture out of my little bubble, here are some tips I use to make friends:

1. Share your smile with the world. It's a symbol of friendship and peace. Christie Brinkley

I have always been a joiner. As a military dependent, having a sense of belonging within my community has always motivated me to make friends quickly. I love being a part of a group. From Girl Scouts to marching band, and everything in between, I have loved the camaraderie associated with being part of a team. There are so many ways to get involved as an adult. Think of your interest, then reach out to the group aligned with similar values. 

With the pandemic and not being able to meet friends in person, I started blogging, something I would never have considered before. I have been able to meet so many wonderful people, some within my community. And sometimes, I must take a leap of faith when trying something out of my comfort zone.

2.Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud. Maya Angelou

A sweet friendship refreshes the soul, Proverbs 27:9​​​. Oftentimes, other spouses are looking for friendship. Ask your spouse to see if any of their coworkers are in the same situation. Something as easy as meeting up for a cup of coffee can spark instant friendships. In the past, I have even become friends with Brandon‘s coworkers! 

I’ve introduced Brandon to some of his coworkers who have children the same ages as ours. If you are vocal about wanting friendships, it will be easier to meet someone who wants a friend. Being quiet at home isn’t going to help you make friends. There are plenty of opportunities to meet potential friends through your spouses’ organization. The Soldier and Family Readiness Group is a great way to meet fellow spouses. 

3. There’s not a word yet for old friends who’ve just met. Jim Henson

This is the easiest way I have been able to make friends: VOLUNTEER! Growing up, my mom would always participate in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at our school. By attending meetings and participating in the fundraising events, she was able to make friends within our local community, and frequently, those friends had children who were the same ages as my siblings and me. Being part of the PTA kept my mom involved, and I was able to make friends through her involvement. It was a win-win solution! 

4. A good friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have. Irish Proverb

There are friends, there is family and then there are friends that become family. Don’t forget the OG’s! True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart. I try to check in with my friends every season. I do that with the help of social media posts, text messages and phone calls. Life was meant for good friends and great adventures. We even plan to go on vacation with family friends from Colorado this year! Good friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they're always there. It's the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter. Marlene Dietrich

Grab a cup of coffee, go out to lunch, or meet up at a local shop. Making friends is a lot easier than I imagined once I got out of my comfort zone. A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden. I hope these tips help you broaden your friend group. Just remember that, to make a friend, you must be a friend. Treat people how you’d like to be treated. Go out there and make some friends this summer!