| Ask any individual who's got them,
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| | other priorities, such as long days on
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| friends, whether you live in Austin,
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| | the job. Or maybe you've moved to a
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| Dallas, Houston or anywhere else in
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| | location and haven't met too many people
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| Texas, are good for you. They are good
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| | yet.
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| for health as well as for your life in
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| | Here are some ways to find new friends:
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| general. The proof? During down times,
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| | - If you have a pet, take it outside for
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| friends are a source of comfort and
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| | exercise. Many cities have popular dog
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| strength. So it's important to learn how
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| | parks. While you're there, have a
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| to find and nurture friendships as well
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| | conversation with those who stop to talk
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| as to be a good friend.
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| | or make pet play dates.
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| Friends have the shoulders you lean on.
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| | - Exercise yourself. Join a local gym,
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| They give you good advice. They comfort
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| | senior center or community fitness
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| you during hard times and share in your
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| | facility. Or start a walking clutch in
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| laughter in the good times. Friendships
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| | your neighborhood.
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| provide all these advantages and more.
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| | - Share a meal. Invite a new friend out
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| Friends can boost your self-esteem,
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| | for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
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| provide companionship and even help
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| | - Accept invitations. When you get an
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| improve your mental and physical health.
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| | invite to a party, dinner or social
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| It's not always easy to make friends,
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| | gathering, accept it. You can always
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| especially when your life is hectic with
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| | leave if you get too uncomfortable.
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| work demands, family time or school. But
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| | - Become a volunteer. Hospitals, places
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| friends are important for both men and
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| | of worship, museums, community centers
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| women. Friendships can help you get
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| | and other organizations need volunteers.
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| through a divorce, a job loss or family
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| | Working with people who share a mutual
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| death. Your friends may encourage you to
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| | interest can often spark a friendship or
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| change unhealthy lifestyle habits like
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| | two.
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| excessive smoking or drinking. Friends
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| | - Champion a cause. A group of people
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| are also there for you to celebrate the
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| | working toward a goal you believe in can
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| good times in your life -- like a new
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| | also create new friendships.
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| baby, a new job, a new house.
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| | - Get a hobby. Find individuals with
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| Some people benefit from large groups of
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| | similar interests, like auto racing,
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| friends. Others prefer a smaller circle
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| | music, gardening, books or crafts.
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| of friends and acquaintances. There are
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| | - Hit the books again. Take a course to
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| certain very close friends you rely on
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| | meet people with similar interests.
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| for personal conversations, and more
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| | - Sit out on your porch. Front porches
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| casual ones for movies or general
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| | have always been social centers for the
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| activities.
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| | neighborhood. Sit out front with a cup of
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| Many adults find it hard to develop new
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| | coffee or a good book. Make yourself
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| friendships or keep up existing ones.
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| | visible, open and friendly.
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| Friendships may take a back seat to your
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