We’ve all felt it. Making friends is harder today. Which leaves many of us feeling lonely.

I’m sure we’ve all heard the line about joining clubs or groups.

And yea, sometimes that works. Often it’s not enough.

True friendships are formed with shared struggle, deep shared experience, and exchanges of value.

Talking at the bar is much better than nothing, but it doesn’t form the deepest friendships.

One of the best ways to meet friends is to just ask them for advice in an area you know they are an expert in.

This won’t come across as needy. Be clear up front you value them and would just love to hear their thoughts on the topic.

Very low pressure for them. You’re placing them in a position of value. Even better, if they answer, it creates a subtle sense of you being “in debt” to them.

This is VERY comfortable for most people to be in this position.

You’ve made them feel important, and placed yourself in an unspoken kind of debt to them. You can then use this as an opportunity to return the favor by doing something nice for them.

The beginnings of a chain of reciprocity and exchange of value that can form powerful friendships.