The importance of meeting new people and making friends

‘A stranger is a friend you haven’t met yet’ William Butler Yeats.

The most memorable experiences for me are when I’ve met new people. Whether it’s at work or in my personal life, it’s always so refreshing meeting new people as you are telling them your story for the first time. Since moving to Edinburgh 2 and a half years ago, I soon realised it was the social connections that helped me feel at ease as I settled in the city. I actually believe it’s important to interact with people where possible; whether it’s smiling at a stranger or taking time to chat with a stranger and hear part of their story. 

In this blog we will delve into the psychological benefits of meeting new people and why it is so important to have those social interactions.

The Psychological Benefits of Making Friends

I think we can all agree the year of 2020 made us all appreciate our friendships so much more! I’ve always been grateful for friendships but I certainly don’t take spending time with friends for granted now!

Friendships play a crucial role in combating loneliness by providing a sense of connection. With friends we usually bond through laughter, sharing thoughts and experiences, giving us a sense of belonging and trust. We can always count on friends in times of need. During difficult times, knowing someone cares and is there to listen makes us feel less lonely and also reduces the risk of anxiety and depression. Friendships enhance our lives and are there to uplift us. The great thing with friends is that we can pick and choose the friends we want and who to hang out with. 

As we get older, our lives develop and take different paths and it can become more difficult to make new friends. However, when we do put ourselves out there and make those connections independently it can be so rewarding! By interacting with new people we improve our social skills and boost our self esteem and mental health through these positive connections. 

The Societal Impact of Friendships

By being part of your community, whether that’s through a hobby, sport, neighbours or becoming a regular in your local cafe, these connections are so important for that sense of belonging and support that we often need. When we interact with people from different cultures we gain first hand understanding of their values, struggles and viewpoints. This helps to broaden our perspective and reduce any preconceived judgements. This exposure highlights any common ground we may experience and appreciating one anothers unique qualities, uniting us as humans. 

Overcoming Challenges in Meeting New People

Meeting new people can be nerve wracking but so rewarding. It helps us to build confidence and broadens our horizons and opportunities. You may feel anxious approaching a situation where you don’t know anyone but it is important to try and foresee how you might feel afterwards and that amazing fulfilling feeling that you know you will have from stepping out of your comfort zone and putting yourself out there. 

Take a small step this week to do something new, chat with the person serving you your coffee or rekindle your love for an old hobby or start a new one, do a good deed for a stranger. 

Follow us on social media to keep up to date with upcoming events, we will put you at ease and we promise you will leave the evening feeling fantastic and energised.