Q&A for How to Make Friends with Someone You've Never Spoken to Before

If they don't seem to to want to make any friends, then don't rush it. The more you pressure a reluctant person into being your friend, the further you will push them away. Give the person lots of time, or find someone who does want to make friends.

And that is what makes you different. When approaching this kid, just BE YOU. I know it is definitely easier said than done, but honestly it's the best way. Breathe deeply. Remain calm and bring up a neutral conversation topic like school, teachers, etc., or ask the kid about sports (learn something new). Do not fear having different interests because at the end of the day, that's often what people will like about you.

You could use a question about a class assignment as a pretext for talking to that person, even if she's with her friends at the time you approach her.

You can ask them questions about themselves, make observations about things/people around you, or talk about some common interest or something that applies to you both.

Start slow and work towards overcoming your shyness. Take a breath and just start on a conversation that you both enjoy. For example, if you both like the same movie, talk about your favorite scene.

Try to find things you have in common. Look up things that he likes (X-Box games, cars, etc.). That way you will have more to talk about. Just don't act too clingy. Say "hi" when you see him, but don't bother him too much when he is with his friends.

You could try talking to him at lunch or any other free time you might have during the day. You could also find out what he does after school and hang around there. Maybe he waits for a certain bus or he goes to the library or sports practice?

Take it slow and get to know them better. Just keep talking to them. One by one these conversations build up into a friendship. Once you've gotten to know them you'll feel a lot less shy.

Try approaching her when she's by herself. After you've talked to her a couple of times, if you've been nice, she might talk to her friends and get them to change their opinion about you. You can also try being really nice to her friends so they'll start to like you.

Ask your crush to catch up over coffee and take it from there. If you have mutual friends, that could be another way to hang out and get to know the person. You can also try to talk in the halls between classes.

Get their snap, their number, a mutual friend. Talk to them about an assignment or anything you have in common first, and then slowly drift conversation away from that. Try to text them a couple times every week, and if you see them in person say hi. If there's someone you know talking to them, go stand by the mutual friend and try to join in. If you do not have their number, try to talk to them in person till you're comfortable asking for social media or their number. Start small, and try to build. It's not going to be easy, but you got this.

You can start by saying what you would normally say to someone you want to become friends with. Later, you can make it less awkward by saying something like, "We haven't talked in a while, how are you?"