When you were a kid,

making friends was a little easier than it is now.

Do you wanna be my friend?

[Narrator] It was, step one,

be within a 14 foot radius of another kid.

Step two, done.

But now you're a full-grown person.

All your friends have moved away,

or you have, to pursue a career.

Or for whatever reason, you have no friends,

which is precisely the case for Samantha here.

Whoa wait, I do have some friends.

[Narrator] See?

- No friends. - No, I do.

[Narrator] Let's get started.

Here's what you'll need.

Something to write with, something to write on,

and possibly two of the same shirts.

Step one.

Make a list of the things you like to do.

Activities, hobbies, interests,

write 'em all down and then...

Samantha, I didn't know you like to paint.

Yeah, acrylics mostly.

- [Narrator] Oh hell yeah, girl.

I'm actually an artist myself, see?

- Oh, that's amazing.

- [Narrator] Oh thank you.

I love turtles.

[Narrator] No, no that's a self portrait.

Pick out the activities that can be done in group settings.

Step two, do those things.

Doing stuff you're into is a surefire way

to meet people you already have things in common with.

Though it can be scary for some of us,

especially Samantha, who gets super sweaty

when she's nervous, it's pretty gross actually.

Actually I'm doing pretty good right now.

[Narrator] You'll be fine.

Just don't think about how awkward you're going to be

or the fact that everyone is staring at you

because you've been standing in the doorway

talking to a voice in your head.

Good thing you brought that extra shirt.

Step three.

Make small talk.

I know it sucks, but it's a necessary evil.

You might not hit it off with everyone you talk to.

But trying is the only way

to find someone you do connect with.

Oh my gosh, I love that.

I actually have a friend

who's really good at painting turtles too.

It's not a turtle.

I'm just kidding.

Are you kidding?

Yeah, it's a turtle.

It's so good.

[Narrator] Excellent, and now as you're getting

to know them, you're probably going to ask the usual...

So what do you do?

Where are you from?

[Narrator] But I recommend something like,

So what's been the best part of your week?

[Narrator] This can spark more interesting conversation

and elevate the small talk to regular size.

Just remember to play it by ear.

You don't wanna move too fast.

I like you.

Let's be friends.

[Narrator] But don't play it too cool either.

We should hang out sometime.

Yeah, maybe when my schedule clears up.

[Narrator] Basically, just be yourself.

You've been subconsciously collecting good friend data your whole life.

So if something feels right, give it a shot.

Which brings us to step four.

Be a great friend.

Making new friends can be intimidating.

But what's on the other side is worth the effort.

Just remember that friendships aren't found,

they're formed.

So be patient, present, and the kind of friend

you want to have.

So do nice things every once in a while.

Like giving them your last piece of gum.

Unless of course, you need it more.

It may seem weird, but it's these little moments

that define true friendship.

When you can look at each other and say,

you have some stuff on your face.

And not feel awkward.

That's when you know it runs deep.

So good job, Samantha.

You did it.

I hope this helps.

And if you wanna add your own steps or swap out

some of mine, that's totally fine,

just know that you're gonna mess it all up

and it won't work.

See ya next time.