Counseling in Katy, TX: The Art of Making Friends

Making friends can be such an anxiety inducing task, even more intimidating as an adult, but it’s a necessary task. Humans are social creatures, and having healthy social connections is essential to our overall well-being. Counseling in Katy, TX can help you overcome the anxiety that comes with making and maintaining friendships as an adult.

Friendships are like a beautiful flower garden. They start small, beginning with needing to be planted. The tiny seeds are buried in the earth, needing nutrients and encouragement to come to life. Once the small seeds start to grow, there is happiness and excitement as they reach toward the sky, wanting nothing more than to spread their leaves and bloom for all they are worth. Like a beautiful flower garden, friendships don’t happen overnight, especially when making friends as an adult. New friendships, like new flower buds, must be nurtured and tended to in order to open their petals and bloom. Let’s look at some ways to plant new seeds, and promote healthy garden growth. 

• Pursue your interests

Immersing yourself in something you love is a great way to meet new people who have similar hobbies and passions. Allowing yourself to enjoy your hobbies will drop like-minded people directly in your path! Let yourself have fun.

• Volunteer

Donate your time and skills to connect with others and give back to your community. Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and meaning while connecting you to new people who are also interested in doing good for the world.

• Join groups, organizations, or clubs

Joining a group, or club, such as a community center, religious organization, professional association, or extracurricular club can provide opportunities to meet new people and develop meaningful connections.

• Be your authentic self

It’s important to be yourself when meeting new people. Pretending to be someone you are not can lead to a feeling of disconnection and dissatisfaction in the relationships you are cultivating. Remaining genuine will help you attract people who share similar values and interests as yourself.

• Practice active listening

When meeting new people, practice active listening. Give your full attention, and listen to your peers when they speak. Full participation in listening will build a real rapport with new people. Strong connections can be made through giving someone your direct, undivided attention. 

• Take initiative

It can seem scary, to be the person reaching out, but take the chance! Don’t be afraid to make the first move and invite someone into your life. You don’t have to immediately sign a contract to be BFFs for life, but you can invite someone into your life for something simple, such as coffee, or even lunch if you're feeling bold! Taking the initiative can help build your confidence and begin a new friendship!

Making new friends takes time and effort; it’s necessary to remain patient, and open-minded. Forming lasting friendships is an important part of strengthening your mental health. These tips, such as pursuing your interests while practicing active listening, can increase your chances of meeting new people and creating these lasting, fundamental connections. If you are struggling to make friends, or overcome obstacles, seeking support through counseling in Katy, TX can help you develop these social skills and make new friends.

Do you need support making friends? Let’s work together, today! Brainspotting, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help work through the stress that comes from anxiety, depression, as well as help with stress management. Learn to overcome those mental blocks! Contact me today to begin your journey toward a happier, healthier you!