How to Pick Good Friends

Making good friends isn't always easy. Developing friendships depends on many factors, including your personality type, upbringing and neighborhood. The hardest part about making new friends is trying to meet new people. It's normal for this process to be difficult, as you might feel nervous, shy or awkward about approaching people. However, when you start making meaningful and supportive friendships, you'll be glad you made the effort.

Step 1

Reflect on the qualities that are important to you in a good friend. Similarly, think about the traits you don't want that person to have. Although most people agree that certain basic qualities are necessary in a good friend, such as loyalty, honesty and dependability, you might find other traits equally important. For example, you may want a friend who can spend a lot of time with you. You may also prefer to have friends who avoid behaviors you consider negative, such as smoking or drinking.

Step 2

Develop your interests. Join a sports team or a club. Picking good friends is easier when you have something in common. You don't have to like everything your friends like, but you're more likely to find people you want to spend time with when you share the same interests.

Step 3

Improve your self-esteem. You enjoy being around people who feel good about themselves. No one likes to be around people who are negative. You're more likely to attract friends with positive qualities when you focus on your own positive traits, according to Kids Health.

Step 4

Be authentic in your interactions with others. Don't put on a phony act just to impress other people. You'll end up attracting people you don't have anything in common with, and you'll have to work hard to keep the act up all the time.

Step 5

Volunteer at a local charity or hospital. People who have a commitment to helping others are usually the kind of people you want as friends. According to the National Mental Health Information Center, volunteering provides an opportunity to make connections with people who are conscientious, empathic and kind-hearted.