MAKING NEW FRIENDS

Going to a new school where you don't know a soul? Or are you going back to an old school, but need a new group to hang out with? Follow these tips for making new friends from Myjellybean.com.

Be Confident

Instead of thinking about how different and weird you are, think about how fascinating you are! The people at your new school have probably gotten bored of each other, because they're all the same old friends with not much new to report. You, on the other hand, are from a different country, with lots of different experiences and stories to share! So stop thinking of how people will think you won't belong, and start thinking of how much you have to offer to these people!

Smile

It's easy and it's free. It makes you seem happy and friendly, so people will come up and talk to you. There is nothing more off-putting than someone with a big frown on her face. Even if you are scared because it's your first time meeting people, or taking a new subject at school, fake a confident smile!

Say Hello

Say hello to three people everyday. Try this on anyone you recognize from standing in line at lunch with, seeing in a class, or just anyone who crosses your path: Say "hello"! As a wise woman once said, "You've got to cast your net wide to catch as many fish as possible." (Psst - that was Jellybean's grandmother!)

Practice Makes Perfect

Strike up a conversation with one new person every day. Start by smiling and saying hello (you already know about that). Then when people say "hi" make an effort to talk back, even if it is just idle chit-chat (like talking about the weather). It is still a start to a friendship. Because the next time you see that person, you've already spoken before so it'll get easier each time you meet! (Do this every day and you could potentially have 30 new friends in one month!)

Do Lunch

When you go to lunch, don't isolate yourself. Find a group of kids that looks nice (possibly some of the people you talked to earlier) and sit with them. Just say hi to someone at the table, give them a compliment on their hair or something they're wearing, then say "do you mind if I sit here?" interesting activities in your life.

Get Busy

Get involved. Participate in things like sports, groups, clubs, teams and committees. That way you will be meeting people with the same interests. These might become your new, closest friends. And you will feel included... and have lots of interesting activities in your life.