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Summary of Question:	How To Make Friends
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Sunday, 7/02/2006 1:06 PM MDT

wjkkwjkf Hi, i am a gursikh, living in Vancouver canada. I have a problem that has really affected my life, i have no friends. I have lived in a predominately caucasion area for most of my life, but i have no one that i can talk to or just have fun with. My only assurance is that god is always with me, and will never leave me, through doing japji sahib, nitnem, and rehreas sahib, i feel secure and this alone has kept me from going into a deep depression. I remember last summer i sat at home and cried sometimes because i had no friends to go to the park with and play football, or just have a conversation with. The last time i had a friend over at my house was probably 9-10 years ago. Its hard not having friends to talk to that are your own age. I have now moved to a more multicultural area, and i have started going to gurdwara and doing seva, and going to the local gym. Please give me some advice and tell me a paat i can do to help me out. wjkkwjkf

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Sat nam. Friendship is something that is created. Some of us have to make an effort, especially so-called 'quiet types.' You cannot assume that someone will make the first step, especially (sadly) if you look different. So make an effort. Say hello to people. Get to know them by asking them about their lives. When they feel comfortable, they will ask you about yours. This is especially true for non-Sikhs, but not only so. Get out and meet people just like you are doing: gurdwara, seva, the gym. Come out of your shell. Take evening classes in a subject that interests you at a local community or other college: this is another way to meet people and make friends.

It is not the quantity of friends one has, it's the quality. Trust, honesty, and kindness are key to any solid friendship, so make sure you can offer these for your part.

Practice naam simran every day. And SMILE. Guru ang sang,
-DKK