Perhaps you've just moved to a new town and you don't know where to go to meet new friends. You want to gain new friends but are afraid to be turned down. There is a force within you that's pulling you to strike up a coversation with the person sitting next to you. You just can't think of a topic to start a conversation or worse, you just cannot talk! These are just few of the situations that you can encounter in trying to meet new friends.

Although it may seem simple for some to gain new friends because they are just naturals at connecting, there are also those who are timid and are not comfortable meeting new people. There are simple tips that you can follow to gain new acquaintances and eventually, friends.

Listed below are 10 tips to meet and gain new friends:

1. First and foremost, you should evaluate yourself. Examine the types of people you want as friends. Decide if you want to be join people with the same hobby, taste, age or gender as yours. Another strategy is to search out people with diverse intersts who can introduce you to new things.

2. Always bear in mind that a person's name is the most important and the most beautiful word one can hear. Speaking the person's name to them a couple of times or noting the name on a piece of paper can help you remember the name. Greeting a person by name is very important.

3. If you just moved into a new area, put yourself out there in a position you can meet people. You can choose a mall, bar, sporting event or just about anywhere people meet. When in a bar, you can introduce yourself to a group by safe lines such as 'I just moved to the area, can you tell me which places can I visit here?' or 'Can I join you? I don't know anyone here yet.' Just keep the conversation light until you build the bond.

4. Pick an appropriate time to introduce yourself. Make sure that you will not interrupting a serious conversation. You don't want to offend them by being too pushy or assertive.

5. Always wear a smile. Being and looking pleasant is the best way to show your desire to gain friends. A smile can brighten you up and can add to your personality. One warning though, is don't fake it! Fake and unnatural smile are always readable and will be a big turn off for other persons.

6. Be confident and be positive. Do not slouch when you're walking or look at the floor when someone's talking to you. Have confidence, but just enough so as not to sound too boastful. Be courteous and appreciative of other person's conversation.

7. Develop an eye contact and listen attentively. Do not look elsewhere when talking to someone because this may a sign of disinterest. Eye contact is one nice way of showing your desire to know them. Listen carefully; answer each person's question in a polite and friendly way; ask questions as well.

8. Be interested! Finding a common topic to begin with is difficult sometimes but the common theme would be food, movies and sports. Show your interest in what others will have to say. You can empathize or present your views of the matter too.

9. Be yourself. Laugh if you want! Being yourself can be a test if the people whom you're trying to befriend will like you. A useful tip is never to do things which you don't like. Go on and search for a circle of friends whom you can be comfortable with.

10. Although your prime purpose is to gain new friends, you should also look out for your safety. Give out your number only when you are really comfortable, and not because you are being asked. Trust your gut feelings always. When you feel that there is something wrong with a person then move along.

While trying to win new friends it is also essential not to lose touch with your old friends. Attitude is always important to meet and gain new friends. Being natural, having fun and enjoying talking to someone new will always lead to a comfortable conversation which can lead to the lasting friendships you always looked forward to.