Making friends can be difficult for some of us, especially when we don’t know a single soul in a new environment. Being humans, we are individuals who naturally crave social interactions. Friendships make our lives more meaningful and provide emotional support when we encounter difficulties in life. In Assisted Living in Gantt, SC, you will get to meet new people from all walks of life and have many opportunities to socialize. However, when making new friends, you should be mindful of common mistakes that can prevent a friendship from flourishing. Read on to find out more about the mistakes you should avoid when making new friends.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Attention-seeking behavior can drive people away and negatively impact your blossoming friendships. Avoid talking about yourself continuously or boasting about your achievements as such behavior can be off-putting and create awkward and unpleasant situations that can jeopardize your chances of building meaningful connections with others.
Another common mistake is clinging to a person for too long. You may come across as being needy or overly dependent. This often happens at events, gatherings or over mealtimes. Everyone needs their personal space so do not monopolize someone else’s time. Make the effort to listen to others around you and try to engage them in conversations.
Gossiping about Others
Not only does gossip bring people down, but it also breaks trust and respect among friends. When someone shares information with you, they trust you will keep it private. Once you let out that information, it will betray their trust in you. They will then assume that no secret will ever be safe with you. Moreover, gossiping about others creates barriers around you. Others will not be able to see you for your true self when you only harp on things you do not like or hate. There are various ways to form friendships without bad-mouthing others. Think twice before gossiping!
Not Listening to Others
Friendship comes with responsibilities such as availing yourself and being supportive when a friend is in need. When a friend shares their difficulties or struggles, it is easy to listen out of politeness or tune them out. However, you should be listening with genuine interest, concern and empathy instead. Having a listening ear and being present and engaged is important to show that you are a supportive and committed friend whom others can lean on.
Not Having Common Interests
Think about activities you like to do or places you like to go to. For instance, do you enjoy strolling in the park and spending time in nature? Or would you rather work out in a gym? Are you a foodie who loves to explore local restaurants? By signing up for fitness classes, joining a bird-watching club and more, you can increase your chances of meeting someone with the same interests as you. When you have a common topic to talk about, it makes for a great conversation starter that helps you get to know and connect with a person.
In our Assisted Living community, we offer the best senior living programs and amenities. Our residents enjoy complimentary transportation to local diners, nearby shopping malls and other areas outside of the community. There are ample opportunities to connect with other residents and explore the area attractions together. To learn more about Assisted Living in South Carolina, contact us today.
