10 Simple Traits That You Can Use to Turn Strangers Into Friends

There’s no one-size-fits-all guide to making friends because people are wonderfully complex and unpredictable. But there are some simple traits that can help bridge the gap between “Hello, nice to meet you” and “I’m so glad we’re friends.”

I’m talking real, genuine connections—from a coffee shop hello to “let’s hang out soon.” It’s not incredibly complicated; it’s really about the little things that make people feel seen and appreciated.

10 Simple Traits That You Can Use to Turn Strangers Into Friends

1. Smile Like You Mean It

It sounds cliché, but a genuine smile can be the ultimate icebreaker. Think about it: when someone flashes you a warm, unforced grin, doesn’t it make you feel instantly at ease? Smiling isn’t just a non-verbal “hello”—it’s an invitation that says, “Hey, I see you, and I’d like to know you.” Pair that smile with open body language, like uncrossed arms or a slight lean forward, and you’ve already started building trust without saying a word.

2. Ask Questions—And Actually Listen

There’s a reason people say, “Be interested, not interesting.” When you ask someone about their favorite Netflix show or how they ended up in their career, you’re giving them a chance to share their story. But, don’t just nod along waiting for your turn to talk—really listen. Make eye contact, say “Wow, that’s so cool,” and ask thoughtful follow-ups. People remember how you make them feel, and feeling heard? That’s unforgettable.

3. Laugh Together

Humor is the ultimate social glue. Whether it’s swapping bad jokes or laughing about how you both tripped over the same crack in the sidewalk, shared laughter creates an instant bond. And another tip: Don’t overthink it. You don’t need to be a stand-up comedian—just bring a lighthearted vibe to the conversation.

4. Show a Little Vulnerability

Here’s the thing about friendships: they don’t thrive on perfection. If you’re always “fine” or “great,” it’s hard for people to connect on a deeper level. Share a little slice of your real life. Maybe it’s a challenge you’re facing at work or how you accidentally spilled coffee all over your white shirt this morning. These small glimpses of imperfection make you relatable—and relatability is a friendship waiting to happen.

5. Find Common Ground

It could be as small as discovering you both hate pineapple on pizza (controversial, I know) or as big as realizing you’re both obsessed with solo travel. Common interests build a foundation for lasting friendships, so take the time to explore what you might have in common. Who knows? That random love for indie bands could lead to a lifelong concert buddy.

6. Sprinkle in Some Kindness

A kind word or small gesture can make someone’s day—and yours too. Compliment their jacket, hold the door, or remember their favorite coffee order. Kindness isn’t complicated, but its impact is enormous. Think of it as planting little seeds of connection that can grow into something beautiful.

7. Respect Boundaries

Here’s another thing: being a good friend doesn’t mean being overbearing. Respect the other person’s space, pace, and preferences. If they’re not a hugger, a handshake works just fine. If they prefer texting over phone calls, roll with it. Respect builds trust, and trust is  everything in building any friendship.

8. Be Reliable, Not Flaky

Nothing kills a budding friendship faster than ghosting or breaking promises. If you say you’ll meet for lunch or help them with a project, show up and follow through. Reliability says, “You can count on me,” which is exactly what everyone wants in a friend.

9. Celebrate Their Wins

Did they nail a big presentation? Run their first 5K? Finally finish a DIY project? Be the friend who cheers them on. Celebrating someone’s success—big or small—shows that you’re genuinely happy for them, and that’s a great foundation for any friendship. These days, it’s so common for people to be jealous or throw subtle jabs. That’s why showing genuine happiness for someone is such a rare and refreshing thing.

10. Stay Curious About Their Culture or Background

In a world as diverse as ours, cultural awareness can open doors to incredible friendships. Take the time to ask about other people’s traditions, holidays, or favorite childhood foods. You might learn something new and show that you genuinely value their uniqueness.

A friendship is not a simple blueprint or formula you can follow the same way each time, so next time you’re in line at a coffee shop, at a new job, or even just scrolling through social media, remember this: everyone you meet has the potential to become a friend. All it takes is a little effort, a genuine connection, and maybe a laugh or two along the way.

cover photo by ELEVATE on Pexels.