When you’re single you’re probably more open to making new friends although I believe this is more difficult as you get older. Potential new friends go through a similar vetting process to that of romantic interests. Do they have things in common with you? Do they open you up to new experiences? Are they available to get together when you’re available? Do you like each other? Does hanging out with them make you feel good or stress you out?

Some might find this last question a bit odd but it’s probably the most important. I’ve had some friendships that just simply have not worked for me. And it was merely for lack of compatible personalities.

People that I very much liked and still like, and always enjoy seeing, but people with whom I simply do not click. For me, these are people who don’t appear capable of accepting my passive nature, my beliefs, my actions, and usually my tardiness. They’re the ones who don’t listen to what I’m saying and are then quick to launch into some sort of advice. They’re the ones to whom I feel like I must always explain or defend myself. They’re the ones who don’t engage me. They’re the ones that I feel try to change a lifetime of personality and habits. I usually walk away from the exchange feeling stressed and not feeling great about myself.

Of course they’re probably looking at it the same way. And this is when you realize that you just don’t click. Stay friendly if not friends. Recognize their individuality. Be grateful for knowing them and that you learned a little about them and yourself. You learned about what kind of relationships make you feel good. You learned a little more about what kind of relationships you want in your life.

When you’re single friendships are incredibly important. Recognize the things you require in a friendship. Recognize how your friendships make you feel. You don’t and won’t click with everybody. And that’s okay.