Strategies for Social Adaptation and Making New Friends

Social cohesion is an important factor for people of all ages to have healthier relationships with their environment. Moreover, it is the key to success in work, school and friendships. This factor, which is important at every point in life, is formed by the reflection of social skills on relationships and goals.

In this blog, we will talk about what social integration is, its importance and various ways to make new friends. We will also explain how to overcome the adjustment problems that students face during the educational process. Enjoy your reading!

What is Social Cohesion? Why is it important?

Social adaptation is the ability of an individual to establish healthier relationships with his/her environment and to adopt common values. This process involves not only social development but also acting according to norms. No matter what your age, you can improve your social adjustment skills. Effective social adjustment plays an important role in improving both community and individual health. In the following article, we will share tips on how to socialize with your environment.

What are Social Adjustment Strategies?

Social adjustment strategies are crucial for happiness as well as socialization. With these strategies you can review your relationships with the environment. This factor, which is effective at every point of life, can have an impact in the long term, even if not immediately. So, what can be done for social cohesion?

1. Join Group Activities
2. Share Your Interests
3. Express Yourself Well
4. Always Be Positive
5. Listen and Empathize

Let's examine these items in more detail!

1. Participate in Group Activities

You can expand your social circle and make new friends by participating in club activities or by being part of an ongoing project.

2. Share Your Interests

It is always easier to make friends with people who share your interests. The important thing is to make common connections and be clear about what you are interested in.

3. Express Yourself Well

Giving information about yourself can help others get to know you better. You can speed up this process by conveying your interests and talents to the other person.

4. Always Be Positive

Having a positive attitude is an important element of socialization. The more positive you are towards your surroundings, the wider your social circle will be and the more people will want to meet you.

5. Listen and Empathize

It is as important to understand people as to listen to them. Listening and empathizing with problems is the key to better communication. It would be useful to review how you relate to your environment!

5 Tips for Making Friends

As you get older, making friends can become much more difficult. This is because as you get older, you become more selective and eliminative. But don't worry, there is always a way to make healthy friendships. These tips are for you!

1. Feel Free to Open a Topic
2. Make Time for Friends
3. Be Confident
4. Volunteer
5. Feel Free to Get Support

In this section, we'll take a closer look at tips to help you make friends. Here we go!

1.

To make new friendships, sometimes you have to be the one to initiate the conversation. Although it may be difficult at first to want to spend time with someone or do an activity together, once you take the first step, you can overcome this. Fear of rejection is often the most important factor that will hold you back and prevent you from meeting new people.

2. Make Time for Your Friends

Sustaining a friendship always takes time and effort. If you are constantly busy and don't have time for new relationships, it becomes much more difficult. This is where making a plan can be very helpful. Once you are done with your work, you can set aside your free time for your friends.

3. Be Confident

Taking the first step towards friendship often requires self-confidence. You can use this as an opportunity to build your self-confidence. You can define exactly what you want from a friendship or what qualities you want in a friend. In this way, you can make friends with people who share your thoughts and interests.

4. Participate in Volunteer Work

Being part of a group that serves the same purpose can turn into an opportunity to make new friends. As you meet new people, your social circle will expand and you will be able to make deeper friendships.

5. Don't Be Afraid to Seek Support

If you are unable to make friends and feel lonely, you can seek professional help. When loneliness becomes chronic, it can lead to bigger problems such as depression. Instead of social isolation, getting therapist support to be more active with your environment would be an extremely beneficial decision for you.

In conclusion;

Social cohesion and friendship are very important for every person to strengthen their ties with their environment. Students in particular have many opportunities to make new friendships during their education. You can get involved in student clubs, chat with international students or spend more time with your classmates. In this content, we have talked about ways to make friends and the importance of social cohesion. We hope it has been useful for you. Remember, there is always an opportunity to socialize, don't hesitate to take the first step!

Have you checked out the other blog posts of Üsküdar University Health, Culture and Sports Department? Check them out now!