Dr Shefali BatraThe age-old saying we all have heard goes: The best way to find a friend is to be one. In fact we can say that the ONLY way to find a friend is to be one! Friendship is not an abstract term which offers a hundred definitions in order to understand and explain what it really means. Friendship is lived. There are no two friends who have the same emotions and feelings towards each other as two other friends may have. Friendship is a bond, interestingly unique to those who share it. It's a bond that one arrives at not even realizing how and where it came from, yet seems to be eternal and timeless.
Let's get social
Friends don't come knocking on your door while you sit at home playing computer games. List out the things you like to do and try finding avenues where through your likes you can meet people. The idea is not to find people with common likes… it is just to find people. A local gym, a dance class, music choir, a sports ground, a club, a voluntary non-profit organization, maybe even a temple or a church can get you introduced to people if you at least step into these places and look for them! Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, My Space, Yahoo Pulse and Google Buzz are great ways to meet new people and initiate friendships. But remember, it's not the number of friends that are important. It's the quality of your friendship. Focus on the strength of that bond, not the number of bonds that you are developing. Also, remember to not be too picky. Most conversations may be a dead-end, and you may never talk to that person again or just remain acquaintances - but once in a while you'll actually make a friend.
Be funny and be fun!
Humour is the key to breaking inhibitions even amongst the most reserved people. Always keeps conversations light and happy, everyone wants to be around someone who makes them laugh. Remember to laugh with your friends, not at them.
If you have a quirky, different style of humour then make sure you let them know that the things you say are in fact a joke, so that you don't just come across as simply weird or pulling a fast one. Your friends will begin to understand your personality better, too, and will build their interest in you simply because you are... different.
Be reliable
Once you start spending time with those you consider your close friends, you should be available in their times of need so they know you will be there for them. Keep egos low, be kind, considerate, polite, give more, expect less and do not be rude. When you say you'll do something, do it. Be someone your friends know that they can count on.
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The Teenager magazine
BEST FRIENDS FOREVER A friend/dost/yaar is an integral part of one's living.
