It's a scientific fact that having lots of friends helps keep you healthy. Here's how to add to your social circle.

You Will Need

A place to meet people

Some leisure time

And a giving nature

Steps

STEP 1 Join a group

Join a group that interests you. You could work on a political campaign, sign up for a class, do volunteer work, or become a member of a club like a hiking group.

STEP 2 Make the first move

Don’t be afraid to make the first move. Keep it simple, like inviting the person to grab a cup of coffee with you.

In the beginning, don’t call or email your new acquaintance more than he or she does you. You want to be a pal, not a pain.

STEP 3 Be interested

Focus on being interested, rather than being interesting. Research shows that when people are allowed to talk mostly about themselves, they give high ratings to their conversation partner!

STEP 4 Do a favor

Listen with an ear toward what you can do for the person you’d like to befriend. Doing someone a favor—without being asked—will fast-track the friendship.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to old friends who have faded from your life. Sometimes a renewed friendship is the most rewarding of all.

STEP 5 Throw a party

Throw a party that includes all your friends, old and new, and encourage them to bring friends. As a wise man once said: make new friends, but keep the old—one is silver and the other’s gold.

According to a British study, the average person will make and lose 363 friends in a lifetime and end up with 33—six of whom could be described as 'best friends.'