How did you make friends when you were a kid?

That might be your pattern for making professional connections now.

When I was in elementary school my best friend moved away.

The rest of the school year was miserable.

The next fall, I decided I was going to make friends with whoever moved in.

On the first day, I zeroed in on the new girl in my class.

I introduced myself and invited her to sit by me.

And happily she agreed and we played together at recess.

-Insert fast forward zipping noise here.-

When I moved states, I saw a woman in my neighborhood wearing a t-shirt with a Pi symbol on it walking home with groceries.

I parked my car, got out and introduced myself.

I told her I was new, I didn’t know anyone, and I liked her t-shirt.

She invited me to lunch with her friends.

And now we go for walks and hang out at least once a month.

You might not be as blunt as I am.

(Although I recommend it. You probably have good pattern recognition for people who interest you.)

If you don’t like my method, maybe give some attention to yours.

Take it off autopilot and start actively making invitations.

So how DID you make friends as a kid?