How to Nurture New Friendships
“So, you’ve been to a Friendzone event...now what? ”
Friendzone events are a great way to spark conversations and meet new friends. How can you continue the friendships beyond the 2 hours that you’ve spent together? Read on for some ideas!
The ‘3’ Mindsets to Grow Friendships post-Friendzone
1. Avoid the “I’m too busy” Mindset
Showing up takes time and effort. Everyone has different commitments - don’t let it stop you from growing your new friendships!
If your schedules are always clashing, try and suggest dates further in advance and commit to them or even give your new friends a call. Anything is better than “We should meet soon!” with no follow-up!
For many of us, it may seem hard to prioritise a brunch date with new friends over studying, working or spending time with family - but taking some time out of your schedule for new friends is a sure way to deepen the relationship.
2. Think of The Purpose
Ask yourself, “What do I want to do?”
Have you always wanted to try something new? Do you have a New Year’s resolution you haven't gotten started on? Friends can help you maintain your resolve to practise healthier habits or try something you’ve always wanted to.
Making social commitments can keep you accountable to making those dreams a reality! Maybe you’ve wanted to try a new sport, set a date to do it and invite a new friend to join you!
Friends can also help you get into new things. Maybe you met someone from a Friendzone event who is into gymming but you’ve never been to the gym before, ask if they’d be open to sharing with you about it and have you tag along! Friends can also help you maintain healthy habits, learn new skills and try new foods!
No matter what you hope to pursue, encouragement from friends will never fail to boost your self-confidence and increase the likelihood of your success!
3. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable!
What about your friendship with your closest friends makes it so special?
For many, our closest friends know the struggles and challenges that we’re facing in life and our past experiences. Your closest friends have probably been there at your lowest and highest points and they know about your passions, dreams, and goals.
In new friendships, you don’t have to dive right into being vulnerable. However, as you continue to foster relationships, some level of vulnerability will help to strengthen these new friendships!
Who should I reach out to?
Now, who should you approach? Here are 3 suggestions for you!
1. Reach out to one person that you’ve met that you want to get to know more!
Did you click with someone within your group and want to find out more about them? Reach out to them and schedule a time for you to meet. We believe in taking chances - especially when it comes to friendships. Don’t let your shyness or awkwardness make you give up on a possible great friendship in the making.
2. Reach out to your table-mates!
Were there genuine laughs, good conversations and great connections at your table? Reach out to them and set a date to meet. Your table mates have probably already heard about your aspirations and concerns and may be able to give you the support or encouragement you need. Perhaps you guys have shared interests too! Drop them a text and you’ll find out soon enough.
3. Use the Neighbourhood Telegram Chat to Jio your new friends!
You attended a Friendzone event but didn’t get the chance to meet everyone there! Surely there are more people with similar interests and on the same wavelength as you in your neighbourhood.
Use the Telegram group to reach out to connect with other neighbours you haven’t gotten the chance to meet!
Start by initiating a group meet-up (we suggest this rather than DM-ing someone immediately, just to make sure everyone’s comfortable!) and invest your energy into getting to know the people who weren’t in your group the first time round.
You can also share lobangs (lobang is a malay word and is commonly used in Singlish to describe an opportunity or a chance) — such as internships, events, food or even find someone to donate your pre-loved items to.
Or better yet, just ask about their day!
For more tips, check out our recent article on 10 Ways to Use Your Neighbourhood Telegram Chat!
What Can You Do?
Now that you guys have finally been able to set a date to meet, what will you do? Here are 3 suggestions on what you can do:
1. Go on a walk together.
There's something about moving your body and facing forward that makes it easier for us to delve deeper and ask questions that reveal inner thoughts and opinions during conversations.
Having conversations while taking a walk is not only a healthy way to catch up but can also be easier for those of us who are prone to awkward silences when we’re sitting across from someone new.
Suggest a walk around your neighbourhood with your pals who live nearby! Singapore isn’t lacking in interesting locations and parks around where you can take leisurely and scenic walks.
2. Overcook, anyone?
One way to get closer together is to bond through shared experiences. Playing games like Overcooked, Pico Park and Untitled Goose Game can create a fun and chaotic environment as you try to work together to advance to the next level! There’s bound to be lots of laughter — and maybe some screaming.
3. Conversation Cards.
Sometimes, you may be stuck on what to talk about when you’re with someone you only met recently. Conversation cards can help to spark conversations and allow you to hear everyone’s responses.
There are many conversation card decks on the market including Convo and Chill, We’re Not Really Strangers, and Uncurated.
For a free option, you could also follow Friendzone’s Instagram to check out our conversation cards!
To conclude, it could be daunting but we believe it’s truly worthwhile!
Attending a Friendzone event was just the beginning and now it’s up to you to continue growing your new friendships - we wish you all the best 😀
Love,
The Friendzone Team