With a new school year starting, many are struggling to find people who they can actually tolerate. Grade 9s are starting from scratch and grade 12s do not seem to find anybody particularly pleasing. So, how exactly does one make friends?

1. Join clubs and councils

Co-curriculars are a great way to find like minded people! If you are nervous about talking to your peers, write down your contact information on a card and throw them at people who you think you might get along with. And people who you do not think you will get along with; after all, people can surprise you.

2. Talk to the person beside you

Do they like the class? Do they not like the class? Where did they get their shirt? Oh… they’re not interesting? Move seats!

3. Help!

Is someone struggling with the concepts in class? Offer to help, even if you yourself do not know the answer. After they figure out you are a fraud, you can laugh and go to the teacher together. This way, you have gained a person to ask questions with so you’re not alone.

4. Beg for help

People LOVE being needed. If you act like a clueless damsel in distress, they will come to the rescue. Afterwards, ask them how they came to be so smart and based on their response, you can determine if you want to be their friend or not.

5. Ask questions

This is a good way to get to know someone and figure out if they are worth your time!

6. Talk about yourself

This is a good way for  someone to get to know you and figure out if you are worth their time!

7. Judge people based on how they interact with others

Are they mean to their friends? Do they have a bad attitude? Do others feel worse around them? If the answer is “yes”, find someone else to invest your time into.