Who said that it will be easier to make new friends as we age? In fact, personally I would say that it’s harder than making friends during your prime years of 30 to 40. Personally speaking, I would not readily open myself to new friendships since I am very much satisfied with the tried and tested ones I have now. Let’s just say that I don’t have the energy to nurture new friendships anymore and the effort is not anymore worthwhile. Call it cynical but I have had my share of fake friends and believe me, it took me years to get over each one of them. At this point, I would rather enjoy the company of my real friends and not bother with new ones that may or may not turn out as what I expect them to be.
However, I know that making new ones is also important as it will widen my horizon and provide fresh views in life. With that said—and considering what was said in the first paragraph—we must make ourselves open to new friendships but somehow be able to detect early on if the friendship is worth nurturing, or starting at all. Here are some tips on how to start making new friends and spotting telltale signs if it’s worth having:
·         Compatibility. It’s like looking for a partner in life, only without the romantic feelings involve. Besides, you can never stand a person if you hate his guts, much less be a friend to this person right? You need to be somehow in-sync with one another.
·         Your willingness to open yourself up. Of course you must be willing to take chances, however, sharper instinct is a gift of age so you must use it to gauge the person you are dealing with. You should be wiser and always one step ahead but at the same time be able to give other people a chance to get to know you more and vice versa.
·         Allow some room to grow. New friendships take time to grow and being the other half of the said relationship, you must be willing to let it grow. True friendships are never instant, they are forged by years of togetherness.
·         Be honest. If you are looking for true friends and would want a relationship to last you a lifetime then you must be yourself always. Besides, it is quite impossible to be friends with someone for a long time and be a person that is not you all the time, don’t you think? If you want to make it work, they should be able to accept you for who you are and not the person you want to be.