In the context of finding and making friends as an interpersonal effectiveness skill, it’s common for people to befriend others with similar interests, values, and lifestyles. When friends share proximity, such as being in the same area, it tends to create closer relationships. Having conversation skills, showing genuine interest, and making the first move are also ways to find potential friends.
The Finding And Making Friends DBT Handout teaches clients helpful ways to improve their social skills, which can increase their chances of forming new friendships. It discusses important aspects like proximity, similarity, and conversation skills.
Using this handout helps kids and teens learn important skills, such as active listening and setting boundaries, while encouraging them to be welcoming towards others. We suggest sharing this handout with those who need help increasing their social awareness and communication.
This handout can be used alongside our social skills handouts on Friendship Making Skills and Being A Good Friend. It also pairs well with our Tips To Improve Social Skills handout.
*This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed.
Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of DBT worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Batool, S., & Malik, N. I. (2010). Role of attitude similarity and proximity in interpersonal attraction among friends (C 310). International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology, 1(2), 142.
- Fan, C., Liu, Y., Huang, J., Rong, Z., & Zhou, T. (2017). Correlation between social proximity and mobility similarity. Scientific Reports, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-12274-x
- Laursen, B. (2017). Making and keeping friends: the importance of being similar. Child Development Perspectives, 11(4), 282–289. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12246
- Parkinson, C., Kleinbaum, A. M., & Wheatley, T. (2018). Similar neural responses predict friendship. Nature Communications, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-02722-7
