How I did it: I spent the entirety of middle school friendless, and I was determined not to let the same thing happen in high school. So I created a plan. Every day I would introduce myself to one new person.

After about a month of this, I'd acquired quite a few friends. I still wasn't the most popular person in the world, but then I'd never wanted to be. And it's fun knowing people.

Lessons & tips: The person sitting alone is almost invariably extremely interesting. Talk to him/her. At least three of my current friends I met because I made it my policy to talk to people sitting alone.  

Feb 21, 2009, 07:24AM PST | 1 comment | 7 cheers