Female Friendships and Pick-Up Lines

Grabbing a margarita on the patio or finding a female friend to vent to isn’t as easy as it used to be. Adulthood--with its careers, husbands, children, re-locations, divorces and aging parents--can take their toll on our free time and friendships. Women need a circle of friends, but finding friends can feel a lot like ‘hitting-on’ another woman: “Hi, what’s your name? Do you come here often? Can I have your phone number?” It can be awkward and intimidating, and it can make a gal wonder how men do it.
So on that note, here are a few tips from the dating and mating world. After all, trying these tips is better than crying (or drinking) alone.
 • What’s your sign? Learn how to small talk with people around you. Discussing what you see or giving a compliment can be the impetus needed to start a conversation.
• Confidence is ‘attractive’. When you smile and make eye contact, your friendliness attracts other friendly women.
• Get involved. Many people join activities as much for the friendship as for the event. Your children’s fun surrounds you with opportunities to find new friends. If you don’t have children, use your freedom to join a team, find a local networking group or take a class.
 • Help the damsel in distress. Solving solutions together—picking up her kids, fixing a computer glitch, suggesting a babysitter--is a great way to build the foundation of a friendship.
• Ask her out. Remember, you are not the only woman out there who needs a friend. Just ask if she wants to go to coffee, meet up for a play date or come along to happy hour.
• Don’t be so picky. It’s also more fun to know there are others you can call if your best friend is away.