SINCE the age of 14, the only way to forge new bonds has been to get shitfaced with someone until you’re suddenly best mates.
But what if new responsibilities, career choices or health issues make that impossible? Try these:
Have kids
Children force you to spend time in groups, be they ante-natal classes or vicious school-gate cliques. You’re already all miserable for the same reasons and desperate for conversation that isn’t about poo or Fortnite. Friendship is only a long moan away.
Start a hobby
Whether it’s knitting, hiking or dogging, shared interests always help. The ice will be well and truly broken once you’ve stood side-by-side in a secluded car park watching an overweight couple go at it bareback in the boot of a Renault Scenic.
Force yourself to talk to colleagues
Mainly they’re scum, but there must be at least one person at work who doesn’t make you want to poke your own eyes out with a biro. Sorting the wheat from the chaff will take time, but you’ll end up with a kindred spirit to bitch about Phil and his fucking Fantasy Football.
Get a dog
People who own dogs always love other people who own dogs, regardless of whether they’re social deviants or serial killers. Endlessly picking up dogshit is a small price to pay for two ten-minute chats a day.
Take drugs
If you can’t use alcohol for Dutch courage, why not boost your confidence levels with a small, manageable drug habit? Bosh a bit of MDMA and even the most unapproachable stranger becomes your best friend.
