Real Talk Wednesdays: A new series of posts every couple of weeks where I will be laying it all on the table, offering my advice, or setting the record straight about whatever seems to be on my mind.
I’ve always been one of those girls that “just always gotten along better with guys than girls.” But let’s be real, we all say that.
My best friend Aubrey and I used to joke in college that we would be each others only other female friend. And it was funny. We laughed about it all the time… Until we graduated, moved to different places and realized that not only was that statement true, but that it was actually pretty lonely.
Long story short, after graduation I got over myself and my lack of caring what other women thought of me, put it all out there and made myself some girl friends. And y’all, as much as I love my guys, I live for my girls!
Here are some of my top tips for making girlfriends:
1. Come in hot with the complements.
Everyone loves hearing something nice.
There is nothing to be gained from putting other people down. So, let’s all just build each other up, please. Pick something – her shoes, her lip color, her drink choice – it doesn’t have to be much, just something to start a conversation. Say it with the biggest smile and mean it and just go from there.
2. Set a time and date.
Stop ending the conversation with, “Let’s hang out!” Mean it. Pick a time, date and place from the start. It creates accountability between both of you and allows everyone to avoid awkward texts or even worse, forgetting to get back in touch at all.
3. Be the person that reaches out.
The majority of the time, the other person is thinking the same exact thing, they are just too nervous to reach out. Be the one that does it! Worse case, you ask someone to hang out and they say no. Best case, you’ve just made a new friend.
4. Know your key words.
Margaritas, guac, brunch, blog pics. Those are mine, but what are yours? What are the things you immediately say yes to without a second thought? More often than not, whomever it is is likely interested in those things as well. {You’re obviously connecting for a reason!} Set up a time to eat, drink or do one of those things.
What are your tips?
This is such a great post! Making girl friends is so hard. Your tips are perfect and things I have learned over the years as well! So glad we picked a date and met up! We need to schedule another dinner!
xo, Lee
Wine and Couture
Such a great post, Sara! Totally agree with the compliments — and setting up dates!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Totally love this post! Finding girlfriends after school ends is so hard!
xo Kylie
http://www.dressinsparkles.com
This is so cute! I love it!! It really is hard to make new girlfriends after school! Consider yourself having a new friend! Sending love!!
XO JNESS
: JenessaSheffield.com
I love the tip about knowing your key words! I think mine are manicure, blogging date, coffee, and tacos! Haha 🙂
X,
Cristina
cristinawashere.com
I love this post, especially the part about actually setting a day and time to meet up. Saying "Let's hang out" and then never actually doing so reminds me of being in high school when everyone would write "Keep in touch" in your yearbook, but no one would actually take the initiative to reach out!
// Hannah
https://theswirlblog.com/
Making girl friends is sometimes so hard lol so these are great tips!
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlife.com
Making friends as an adult can be really difficult!
Kayla || Keynotes from Kay
These are awesome tips!
i love the recommendation of being the one to reach out. i always feel like i'm the one reaching out but hey someone has to do it.
Such a cute post! Making friends can be a bit challenging. When I'm in social situations I like to think we're all in the same boat, which makes it easier 🙂
These are great tips! Making friends after college can be so tough!!
xo Ashley
Aw love this post! In Dallas, we have an organization called "Circle Seven Five" – it's a young professional women's organization that hosts events which facilitate meeting other women in the Dallas community. I've made SO many friends through it (as well as through Dallas's vibrant blogger community).
XO Amanda | http://www.glitterandspice.com
These are such great tips! I especially needed to read this because I just moved back home for the first time in four years and none of my high school or childhood friends are really around, except for one or two who are in serious relationships and are in different stages of their life! I definitely need some more galpals to hit the clubs with, grab brunch, work out with and take blog pics with hehe! I already made one friend since I've been home and we've been working out together.. so fingers crossed I can continue!
This such a great post.
Blonde in Cashmere
I always start of with a compliment whenever I'm trying to get to know anyone!! Blog pics are definitely one of my buzzwords too!
Pick Your Beau
I so needed this right now. I've always also gotten along better with guys, but now that I'm married, I really wish I had more girlfriends! I'm going to take these to heart and actually try to make girl friends, because Lord knows I need some girl talk!
xoxo, SS
The Southern Stylista
These are great tips, I'm making new friends post-college so I totally relate and these are helpful!
Those are such great tips. I think it can be really hard to feel confident in making new friends and I think a lot of us have struggled with it at one point or another. I always say it's better to make a few really amazing friends than a bunch of okay friends.
Love this post! Great tips!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Great tips! Especially about setting a date and time and being the one to reach out. Those are definite ways to ensure that getting together actually happens!
Stephanie | http://www.stephanietherese.com
Making friends can be difficult, but if you make the effort it will happen. You're absolutely right- if a girl said hey want to meet up for guac I'd be like when and where haha!!