Let's talk, shall we? Top 10 ways to make new friends
Since everyone has probably already given up on their new school year resolutions, we asked our readers to tell us their favourite way to make new friends at school! Here are the best answers …
I am just a sweet kid!
I ask them if they procrastinate, watch TV shows and like chocolate. If they pass this test, I make sure I become their friend. Next step is to send them a friend request (if I haven't already) and then message them on Facebook, saying "Hi!" as if I'm very excited. The rest just continues to flow once they find out how weird I am.
Anushka Purohit, 15, Renaissance College Hong Kong
Wise words
Walk up to them and say, "Hey, have you read this book?" If they say yes, strike up a conversation about it. The strongest bonds can be forged in the furnace of words.
Justine Chan, 13, Singapore International School
Talking points
Simply talk to them like you are already their friend! Talk about teachers, homework and stuff, then they will respond, and people will join in the conversation. And yeah, there you go, a huge group of friends! I mean, this is the 21st century, do you still ask people for their names?
Diana Chik Lok-yee, 16, International Christian Quality Music Secondary and Primary school
Relax and smile ...
You just go up and ask what they did recently while smiling! My best friend transferred to my school last year and I just asked her to eat lunch with me and got to know more about her, and look where we are now! The most important part is to just be yourself; it's quite easy when you relax.
Jeanie Li, 14, Maryknoll Convent School
You're the man!
We live in a world where face-to-face communication is so rare. So the best way would just be to act like a man and walk up to the person and start a conversation!
Naz Iraj, 16, St Margaret's Girls' College, Hong Kong
Natural touch
The best way to make new friends at school would be to start a conversation as early as possible. You can do this by approaching the person and asking them, "Do you know [Jane, Donald or whatever]? He's my best friend". Then it becomes very natural to continue the conversation. If that fails, you could ask about subject choices, hobbies, or even favourite foods. Nothing beats making a new friend!
Belinda Ng, 15, South Island School
A true test
Making friends is easy, especially for weirdos like me! Being different is always the key, trust me. Being an ordinary guy or gal is not interesting at all. Just be as weird as you want and as true as you are.
Sebastian Wong, 16, Po Leung Kuk Vicwood K.T. Chong Sixth Form College
Pure and simple
Simplicity is my motto: a friendly greeting of "Hello", and a short introduction of myself while smiling broadly can do the trick!
Snehaa Senthamilselvan Easwari, 15, South Island School
Guiding light
I would simply approach someone who looks lost, say "hi", and offer to show them around. That's a quick and easy way to make a new friend.
Marissa Chow, 10, Kowloon Junior School
Active lifestyle
The key is to join more extra-curricular activities like sports clubs and interact more with students.
Kaur Mukhjot, 16, St Margaret's Girls' College, Hong Kong