How to Start a Friendship
and then Keep it Going
Not Awkward — Just Brave
Starting a friendship usually only takes one sentence.
Ice Breakers & Conversation Starters
Easy Starters (school)
“Hey, can I sit here?”
“What class do you have next?”
“Do you understand this assignment? I’m confused.”
“I like your ___ — where did you get it?”
“Have you had this teacher before?”
“Are you going to the game/dance this week?”
“What lunch do you have tomorrow?”
If Your Shy (low pressure)
“Can I walk with you?”
“I always see you in here — what are you working on?”
“I think we’re in the same class next semester.”
“I’m trying to meet more people this year.”
“I didn’t want to sit alone today.”
In Activities (Dance, Sports, Choir, Clubs)
“How long have you been doing this?”
“I’m still learning — do you have any tips?”
“Are you nervous for the performance/game too?”
“Do you want to warm up together?”
“Do you come to this every week?”
Online / Group Chat
“I liked what you said earlier.”
“You did really good today.”
“I’m glad you’re in this group.”
“I just wanted to check on you.”
“I missed you today — are you okay?”
Compliment Starters
“You did really good on that presentation.”
“You’re always nice to people.”
“You made that look easy.”
“You have really pretty handwriting.”
“You explained that better than the teacher.”
“You’re really funny.”
“I like how you included her earlier.”
First Try Was Awkward
“I feel like that came out wrong yesterday.”
“I was nervous and probably sounded weird.”
“I didn’t mean to ignore you earlier.”
“I actually do want to be friends.”
“Can we restart?”
Inviting Someone
“Want to walk to class together?”
“I’ll save you a seat tomorrow.”
“Do you want to partner up?”
“You can come sit with me.”
“I’m going to the game — you should come.”
“Do you want to study together?”
For the Girl Sitting Alone
“You can sit with me.”
“I saved a spot.”
“Do you want company?”
“I didn’t want you to sit alone.”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
“We’re talking about nothing important — join us.”
Keeping it Going
“Text me when you get home.”
“Tell me how it goes.”
“I’m here if you need to vent.”
“You can always sit with me.”
"I'm doing _____ later, want to come?"
“I’m really glad we met.”
Taking the Next Steps To Real Friendship
Sit with her again the next day
Say hi when you see her in the hallway
Remember something she told you and ask about it later
Invite her to partner up in class
Walk to class together
Save her a seat when you can
Celebrate her good news
Introduce her to one of your other friends
Include her in a group conversation
Check on her if she seemed upset or quiet
Follow through if you said you would text, call, or meet up
Keep showing up — friendships grow with consistency
Remember small effort repeated becomes trust.