Making friends with strangers can be a daunting task for some, but for others, it’s as natural as breathing.

Hi there, I’m Jeanette Brown, the creator of Reset Your Life Compass and a Life Transition coach.

I’ve met people from all walks of life, and I’ve noticed that those who effortlessly make friends with strangers often share certain personality traits.

The key here is fostering genuine connection and mutual understanding.

In this article, we’re going to explore the 8 personality traits that often come into play when people find joy in befriending those they’ve just met.

So, if you’re someone who loves making new connections or simply want to understand more about this fascinating skill, read on.

1) Embracing change

Those who find joy in befriending strangers often have one fundamental characteristic – they embrace change.

Research shows that most of us have this expectation that talking to strangers will be awkward and unpleasant, or that the other person would be disinterested in us. 

So yes, meeting new people is all about stepping into the unknown. You don’t know anything about the person you just met, their background, their likes or dislikes.

And that’s a big change from interacting with your usual circle of friends and family.

People who thrive in these situations see change as an opportunity, rather than a challenge.

They’re not afraid of the unfamiliar. Instead, they’re excited by the possibility of learning something new, of expanding their worldview.

2) Understanding of self

People who effortlessly make friends with strangers have a deep understanding of themselves and their values.

When you understand your core values and how they shape your behavior, you can better relate to others and form deeper, more meaningful connections.

This isn’t to say that we should only interact with people who share our values.

On the contrary, understanding oneself allows us to appreciate the diversity in others. It enables us to find common ground and build bridges across differences.

In my years as a Life Transition coach, I’ve found that one of the most powerful tools for self-discovery is taking time to define your core values.

That’s why I created a Defining Your Values Exercise. It’s a simple but effective way to get to know yourself better.

So if you’re someone who enjoys making friends with strangers – or if you aspire to be – I encourage you to try this exercise.

It might just give you the insight you need to form even more meaningful connections.

3) Setting meaningful goals

People who enjoy making friends with strangers often have clear and meaningful life goals.

There’s something incredibly powerful about knowing what you want out of life, and this includes your social aspirations.

It’s important to consider your whole life ambitions, not just your professional targets.

Having clear goals provides a sense of purpose—a driving force that propels you forward.

Those open to meeting new people are often on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

They view every interaction as a learning opportunity, a chance for personal development.

Their goals aren’t just career-focused or materialistic; they’re deeply rooted in experiences, relationships, and personal values.

However, let’s be honest: setting meaningful goals can be challenging. It requires introspection, honesty, and a willingness to embrace change.

But it’s worth it. When your goals align with your values, every step you take brings you closer to becoming the person you want to be.

4) Steering their own direction

One common trait among people who enjoy making friends with strangers is that they take charge of their own direction in life.

They don’t wait for opportunities to come to them; they go out and create them. They’re not passive spectators in their own lives.

Instead, they are active participants, consciously steering their lives in the direction they want to go.

Making friends with strangers requires a certain level of initiative and spontaneity.

It’s about seizing the moment, stepping out of your comfort zone, and initiating conversations. It’s about being open to new experiences and actively seeking them out.

5) Natural curiosity

One key trait of people who enjoy making friends with strangers is their natural curiosity about others.

They are genuinely interested in learning about the people they meet, their backgrounds, and their perspectives.

This curiosity drives them to ask thoughtful questions and actively listen, creating a sense of connection and making the other person feel valued.

Rather than focusing on surface-level small talk, these individuals want to know what makes others tick.

They see every new interaction as a chance to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world.

By approaching social interactions with a mindset of curiosity rather than judgment, they foster an environment where people feel comfortable opening up, which often leads to more enriching and lasting friendships.

6) Emotional intelligence

Another trait that people who easily make friends with strangers often possess is emotional intelligence.

They can read the room, pick up on social cues, and adjust their behavior to make others feel comfortable and understood.

Emotional intelligence allows them to empathize with others, making them approachable and easy to talk to.

This trait is particularly useful in unfamiliar situations.

People with high emotional intelligence are attuned to the needs and feelings of others, which helps them build trust quickly and foster genuine connections.

They know how to strike the right balance between being assertive and considerate, making new acquaintances feel respected and heard.

7) Optimism

One of the most noticeable traits of people who easily befriend strangers is their optimistic outlook on life.

Optimism naturally draws people in because it’s infectious and makes social interactions more enjoyable.

These individuals see the potential in every encounter and view meeting new people as an exciting opportunity, not something to be feared.

I remember a personal experience when I attended a networking event alone, unsure of how to approach people.

A woman with a bright smile and warm demeanor immediately stood out to me.

She started a conversation by focusing on the positives, asking what I was excited about or what brought me joy at work.

Her energy was contagious. Instead of dwelling on the usual small talk, she infused optimism into the interaction, making it easy for people to open up.

That encounter reminded me of how important it is to approach social situations with a positive attitude.

Optimistic people are more likely to initiate conversations and create a welcoming atmosphere, allowing friendships to form naturally.

When you approach the world with a glass-half-full mentality, you become more approachable and engaging, which is key to making connections with strangers.

Conclusion

These traits we mentioned in this article aren’t just beneficial for making friends – they’re crucial for leading a fulfilling life.

They give you the tools to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and grace.

If you see these traits in yourself, cherish them. They are your superpowers. If you don’t, remember that they can be developed. We are all works in progress.

And if you need help along the way, consider checking out my course Reset Your Life Compass.

It’s designed to help you navigate life transitions, overcome obstacles and steer your life in the direction you want to go.

Remember: life is a journey, not a destination. So keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep making friends.