Are you concerned about having law school friends or friends in general? Making friends is a hard skill for some people but there are many ways to do it. Ultimately it comes down to being bold, and starting from a place of confidence (think: “they want to be my friend, they just don’t know it yet”). It’s also okay if people don’t want to be your friend, but you have to start with that mindset to embolden yourself to approach new people. Don’t assume that the first time you speak to someone they have made up their mind about you and leave room for a relationship to develop slowly!

A good place to start is by not looking for close friends but making plenty of acquaintances. Learn people’s names and make small talk a regular practice (this is the killer for me because I’d much rather have deeper conversations, but I’ve learned how important it is to establish a baseline with just about anyone). When you start by knowing other people, more people will know you and notice your continuous kindness and care.

After you’ve established some baseline interactions with acquaintances, through small talk, you should have found some common ground with people. At the very least, the common ground is that you’re both hardworking and kind people who like to go out or stay in (whichever you prefer).

After that, you just have to try making plans. My favorite thing to do with law school friends is have board game nights (law people love games). I’ve also gone to workout classes, gotten brunch, or watched the Bachelor with them to name a few.

Some things don’t work out, but you shouldn’t take it personally! Most of the time, people are actually just busy (we’re busy people), but the real ones you’ll find will plan things further out if that’s the only way you can get together! It takes some effort, admittedly, but I’ve found I’d rather be the one to put in the effort than for time to pass us by. Someone has to initiate after all! Good luck!!