I make friends by inviting people over. Either the family is invited for brunch or dinner, I ask a lady to go running with me, meet me at dog park with her dog, meet me for coffee, meet me for a walk. At the gym, I usually chat with the front desk staff, so I reach out when I can. People appreciate that attention. I started a group of neighborhood gals meeting every week for coffee, just other housewives who are otherwise at home cleaning also, and they were so happy for these get-togethers. My husband meets guys at his soccer games, but otherwise is pretty busy with his kids and doesn’t want to make time for friends. So my suggestion is to be the one to make the invitation. I have rarely had someone say they could not come.

I find that few people invite others over for a meal or for an outing, so I have to make the first move. It is *always* appreciated. I teach piano, and my students’ parents love to stay and talk with me afterward. So once people are in a situation to talk, they will gladly chat. Making the first move is the key.