Making friends, developing a relationship with someone

Show a genuine interest in the other person. Ask them questions about their: interests, hobbies, music tastes, film tastes, family, travel plans, ambitions, thoughts about their country, thoughts about world events etc.

I recommend using an acronym called ‘CHIMPS’ which stands for:

charm

honesty

initiative

motivation

politeness

sense

If the other person says to you, ‘I’ve had a horrible day’ or if they have told you something that has upset them, make sure you say ‘I’m very sorry’ because that phrase, ‘Sorry’ shows genuine empathy! Another phrase that shows genuine empathy is: 'If you want to talk about it, I am happy to listen and try and offer support'.

Open the door for women leading into a restaurant or office for example. I do this and women nearly always smile at me in gratitude and say thank you.

Give up your seat for a woman on a London Underground train. It's what I still do and women always smile at me in gratitude. 

Find a sport / activity that you both enjoy and do that sport / activity together so you will both be happy and excited and you will both be able to reflect fondly on both your contributions to that sport/ activity!

Find an interest that you both enjoy and somehow put that interest into affect such as: both of you going to a museum together, going to the cinema together, going to a fun fair together, going to the theatre together, going out to lunch/ dinner together.

Let the girl/woman make the first move on you with the affectionate names such as: ‘darling’, ‘babe’, ‘honey’ and the affectionate phrases such as: ‘Lots of Love’, ‘Love you’ etc.

While walking or having a meal with the other person, ask them about their interests and views in: events that have happened in the UK, the environment, thoughts about the future, spark interesting conversations.

Do not always talk about your favourite subject constantly!

Do not always talk about your achievements constantly! This might be showing arrogance!

These are difficult and uncertain times involving intense job competition, financial troubles around the world and in the UK. We need our close friends and family. You will know who your true friends are. Go through life being strong, happy, confident and a good friend to others. I recommend having between 5-10 close friends for life. Enjoy your job and get on well with your work colleagues, you might need their support during certain situations at work.