MAKING NEW FRIENDS
Whether you’re looking to add names to your first 15 or bolster your social biome, there are plenty of ways to bring new people into your life. Dr Sophie Mort, psychologist and author of A Manual For Being Human (£14.99, Simon & Schuster), suggests searching meetup.com for a range of hobby groups, from foreign languages to photography – or see how you can offer your skills in volunteering. Beyond exposure to other people, there’s a reason joining a shared-interest group can maximise your friend-making abilities. ‘There’s a list of things that we refer to as the seven pillars of friendship,’ says Professor Dunbar. They are sense of humour, musical taste, hobbies, political views, education, language and the place you grew up.
‘The more of these you share with someone, the more likely the friendship is to be strong and robust.’ Not sure which hobby to start with? Warm up your vocal cords, says Professor Dunbar. ‘My recommendation to anyone feeling isolated and lonely is to join a choir, online or otherwise. Singing is spectacular for forming friendships.’ It comes down to the power of unison, meaning an online dance class or your local running group will have the same effect. ‘Doing activities in synchrony ramps up endorphin release by about 100%, which helps build connections,’ he adds. Social networking in its truest sense.