If you’re planning to introduce friends to each other, know that this can be a tricky endeavor. You will never know if that’s going to work out well for everyone, or if nothing’s going to come out of it, or worse, someone’s going to resent you for it. Just like everything when it comes to socializing, there are unspoken rules and certain considerations you need to keep in mind when introducing friends to each other.
There are also correct and wrong ways to go about this. If you want things to go well for everyone involved, take note of these 9 ways to introduce friends to each other properly.
Make sure the two people are compatible
Before you even consider introducing two friends to each other, you first need to make sure that the two of them are actually compatible. Don’t be surprised if you combine water and fire together and it doesn’t end up working. Chemistry in friendships is more important than you may think.
Make sure the two people have something in common. Make sure there are things the two of them can passionately talk about. Only introduce friends to each other if there’s a reason for them to know one another. For example, if you have one friend who is into trekking and another who shares the same interest, introduce them to each other. On the other hand, you shouldn’t introduce a vegan to an avid meat lover.
Have their permission first
Once you find two people you think are going to be compatible with each other, make sure you ask for their permission to be introduced to someone else first. Don’t put both of them on the spot by suddenly inviting both out to have them know one another without their permission.
Doing this will make both very uncomfortable and that interaction may just end up in tragedy, not just for the both of them, but for you as well.
Make sure the setting is appropriate
If you want to properly introduce two friends to each other, make sure that the setting is appropriate. If one friend is asking you out for coffee during their lunch break, don’t bring the other friend so you can introduce them then and there.
One of the best ways and most appropriate settings to introduce friends to each other is at a party. If the party is hosted by you, then even better. This is just one example, of course. The important thing is that the situation is appropriate and not something that will make both of them uncomfortable.
The proper way of introducing two people for the first time
Something that seems minor but is actually vital in introducing friends to each other is how you actually do it. Your approach should also depend on the personalities of both people. If both of them are more serious and demure, then introduce them to each other formally.
Let me present you with one scenario: Their names are Patrick and Matt. They’re both individuals who are usually serious in demeanor and they’re both fans of classical art. Because of their personalities, you can introduce them by saying something like “Hey Patrick, I would like you to meet Matt. He’s the only person I know who’s as passionate with classical art as you.”
On the other hand, if both are laid back and usually very upbeat and casual, then there’s no need for such formalities.
Stay with them
It can also help if you stay with them as they get to know each other. Remember, both are just strangers to one another for now and you’re the only person there both are comfortable with. Help them stay comfortable by staying.
Don’t just leave after you introduce them once. What’s likely to happen here is that they’ll greet each other, maybe shake each other’s hands, and then go about their business apart.
You can also help move conversations along if things become stagnant or if they’ve hit a roadblock. Remember that this can happen in most cases. Just give them something to talk about and things should run smoothly.
Make conversations with each of them every once in a while and have the other listen
You can also start a conversation with one of them and have the other listen. That way, you will make one friend comfortable by engaging them in conversation and the other will get a chance to see how the other person acts during a conversation when speaking with someone they actually know.
It’s a subtle way of making both become familiar with one another. If they’ve agreed to be introduced to each other and they have some things in common, chances are, they’re already paying attention to each other. They’re just not that comfortable with each other’s companies yet.
Make sure everyone is comfortable
Make sure everyone in the situation is comfortable throughout the whole interaction so their moods are up and their attentions are during the actual interaction. We’ve already discussed how the setting can have a hand in this, but you can make things even better by bringing fun activities into the equation.
For example, if you’re at a house party, maybe you can play party games together. If you’re simply sitting down and having a conversation with each other, make both comfortable by having them share a fond memory that you know of so they can divulge it to the other. Treat it like a game, if you need to. You should also make sure they have everything they need, like food or drinks throughout all that so they remain comfortable.
End the day or night by opening the possibility of another meeting
If the day or night is coming to a close and everyone’s about to part ways, make sure you open up the idea of another meeting. You can say things like “Hey, next week we’re going to this thing, do you want to tag along?” so they can have something to look forward to.
Don’t force it
Finally, if things just don’t work out the way you intended them to, then that’s fine too. If the two of them just can’t and don’t work well with each other and you’ve done everything you can to help them out, there’s no need to force it further.
Accept the fact that some people, even though they seem compatible on the surface, just can’t get along due to other unforeseen differences. That’s completely okay. You tried your best, but the potential friendship is ultimately up to the both of them.
You will almost act like a mediator as you try to introduce friends to each other. For this to work, there has to be the proper mix of compatibility and participation on your end. You’re going to need to be active in that as well early on if you want to help the friendship flourish. If they’re able to click with one another and you’ve successfully helped their interaction move along, then congratulations! You just made a friendship happen.
Once again, though, if it doesn’t work out, then that’s fine too. Just do your best and hope for the best. If things don’t work out, that’s out of your control already.