Don't be lonely - make a new friend or two

We may be living in a huge city with millions of other people, but we can still feel lonely. Being lonely is not good for our health.

Some people are too proud to reach out and admit that they are lonely.

You may be surprised to learn that some people who seem so happy are actually lonely.

Having one or two good friends can make the difference between feeling miserable and being fine.

The ability to make friends varies from person to person. For some it is easy, while for others it is not. But, like playing the piano or operating a computer, it is a skill that can be learned.

Here are some tips to think about and practise. One or many - it's your choice. Some people are satisfied to have just one friend. Others prefer to have several.

It is good to have at least one friend - someone you can trust and with whom you feel comfortable.

Choose your friends wisely

Be clear about what you want from a friendship. If you want to get straight As, surround yourself with others who are interested in academic excellence.

If you want friends with whom you can share an interest or hobby, look for them. One of the easiest ways to do this is by joining a club. Examples are a drama or computer club, a poetry society or a public speaking group.

Prepare yourself mentally

It can be daunting to approach people for the first time. Recognise what you have to offer. Think about your positive qualities. Write them down and look at your list a few times a day.

You'll feel better about yourself when you remember your good points.

The first approach

The quickest way to make a friend is to smile. When you smile, people think that you are friendly and easy to talk to. Then you can start a conversation.

An easy way to do this is by saying something nice. If you noticed that they gave a great answer to a teacher's question, then compliment them on it. Or, perhaps it was a good catch in a ball game.

Another way is to ask a casual question: 'Have you been a member of this club for long?' or 'Did you understand the instruction on the assignment for our next meeting? Please could you explain it to me?'

If you show an interest in others and are kind and friendly, others will want to be around you.

You need not limit your friends to those at school or university.

Look out for bulletin boards in your community or in the local newspaper. Expanding your social circle can fun.