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– tip 1

Forget yourself. Dale Carnegie once said, "It's much easier to become interested in others than it
is to convince them to be interested in you." If you are too busy thinking about yourself, what you
look like, or what the other person might be thinking, you will never be able to relax. Introduce
yourself, shake hands, then forget yourself and focus on them instead. Many people think that in
order to be seen as "friend material" they have to appear very interesting. Far more important than
this, however, is the ability to show that you're interested in others. Listen carefully to what people
say, remember important details about them (their names, their likes and dislikes), ask questions
about their interests, and just take the time to learn more about them. People love to talk about
themselves, and the easiest way to be likable is to listen. You don't want to be the mom that
always has a better story than anyone else or that changes the subject abruptly instead of
continuing the flow of conversation. These people appear too wrapped up in themselves to be
good friends.

– tip 2

Be fun to be around. You don't have to be a superstar to be fun. You don't even have to do
cartwheels. You do need to be positive and friendly, however, so that people feel good when
they're around you. From the very first conversation you have with someone, you should use body
language to convey that you are affable, non-threatening, and approachable. A warm, inviting
smile can put anyone at ease, and it also makes you look like you're having a great time, which
makes people want to be around you and get in on the fun. If you catch someone's eye, be sure to
give a little smile, and be sure to smile often during small talk. It lets people know you appreciate
talking to them.


– tip 3

Use an enthusiastic greeting. Develop the habit of greeting your acquaintances as if you are
really pleased to see them. Not only does it let them know you have a zeal for life, but it makes
people feel good to know they are wanted. A few good line are “I’m so glad you came” or “It’s good
to see you today.“

– tip 4

Be relaxed. Meeting and making friends should be an enjoyable process, so have fun. Be happy
with the unique person you are and remember you have nothing to prove to anyone. Some
friendships will be right for you and others will not, so just take them as they come.

– tip 5

Be confident. Let others see you have strong self confidence and belief in yourself. Poor eye
contact can mean low levels of confidence and, in some cases, even insincerity. However, when
you look into someone’s eyes it builds the level of trust and shows you have nothing to hide.

– tip 6

Be complimentary. It’s really not hard to find reasons to offer sincere and well meant
compliments to those we meet. The best ones involve appearances (“Don’t you look fabulous!”)
and  intellect (“That’s such a smart idea. I wish I had thought of that.“). Of course, moms love
when you compliment their children also, but be sure to find time to compliment the mom as well.

– tip 7

Only say good things. Every time you make a poor quality comment about someone behind their
back (however deserved) you create negative energy which will come back to you in other ways.
So if you can’t say something good about whomever, it is better to say nothing at all. Most of us
admire this non-judgmental quality, so it would be a good habit to develop for attracting new
friends.

– tip 8

Be humble. One of the most admirable qualities a person can possess is that of humility and
playing down their life achievements. By contrast, few of us like or want the company or friendship
of an outspoken, self-centered and boastful person.


– tip 9

Send them a note. Get into the habit of sending little notes to your acquaintances. It may be a
thank you or just a quick compliment or even telling them it was great seeing them again.

– tip 10

Be a friend first. Often, little acts of kindness make a huge impact on others and may be
remembered for years! Such acts may be as simple as packing an extra snack for their child if
you're planning a play date at the park, or taking the time to e-mail (or burn on a CD) pictures you
took of the group during a previous outing. We all love nice and kind people as they bring a ray of
sunshine into out lives. What better way of making new friends!

– tip 11

Don't expect instant results. Good friends aren't made overnight. Sharing your deepest secrets
in one night won't necessarily create a close friendship. It may even drive the other person away.
Take it slowly. Divulge “safe” secrets first, and allow the relationship to hold some weight before
you share the meatier issues in your life.
Most women like to have friends, and stay-at-
home moms are no exception. Acquaintances
are nice, but we sometimes yearn for that
“friend” status with other moms with which we
can bond, chit-chat, and spend “girl” time
together.

So what does a mom do to move the friendship
train along?  Glad you asked. Keep reading.