Feeling lonely? How to start making friends

Start small

You don't need to change everything. Lots of friendships begin with low-pressure moments:

• Send a short message to someone you've lost touch with. Most people are glad to hear from an old friend.
• Go to the same place regularly, like a class, gym or cafe, so faces become familiar.
• Join something around an interest, so there's always something to talk about.
• Have one short conversation with someone new this week. That's enough to begin with.

Why repetition matters

Friendships usually grow from seeing the same people again and again, not from one great night out. So if a first chat or meetup feels awkward, that's normal, and it doesn't mean it failed. Try going back.

Where online chat can help

If going out feels like too much right now, talking to someone online can be a gentler first step. Perfriend matches you with one person who shares your interests, so you can practise conversation without a camera or a crowd. If you click, add them as a friend and keep talking.

Try to use it alongside other connections, not in place of them. A chat with a stranger is good company, and people in your day-to-day life matter too.

If it's getting heavy

If loneliness is affecting your sleep, your mood or how you see yourself, it's worth talking to a doctor or counsellor. It's a common reason to ask for help.

Questions