Attempting to make friends as an adult can seem daunting. Unlike the high school or college days when friendships seemed to form effortlessly, including seasonal friends who came and went with the changing semesters, adult life introduces unique challenges that can make the prospect of building new connections feel overwhelming.
However, there’s no need to worry! I’ve put together my 7 best strategies for finding adult friends, which will help you not only expand your social circle and welcome new connections but also forge meaningful, lasting friendships no matter your age.
How To Make Friends as an Adult
If you’re struggling to make friends as an adult, don’t give up yet! It’s never too late to connect with new people and build meaningful relationships.
Follow these seven steps to get you on track to building new connections.
1. Rekindle Old Friendships
Sometimes, the best connections are the ones we already have and aren’t paying enough attention to.
Thus, to make friends as an adult, start with the acquaintances you know.
Reach out to old classmates, coworkers, or neighbors you’ve lost touch with.
A simple message can rekindle a friendship and provide a foundation to build upon.
Also Read: How to fix a broken friendship
2. Leverage Your Hobbies to Make New Friends
When I decided to pursue blogging as a hobby, I never thought that in a million years, I’d be able to make friends from just this hobby alone.
Your hobbies are a goldmine for making friends as an adult, offering a common ground from which real connections can grow.
Through blogging, I’ve met fellow writers, enthusiasts in my niche, and even collaborators for projects, all of which have enriched my social circle and my life immeasurably.
If you think your hobbies can’t get you friends, think again!
Join clubs or groups that align with your interests, whether it’s a book club, hiking group, or a local cooking class. You’d be surprised by the vast number of people you can connect with by actively leveraging your hobbies.
3. Attend Social Events and Hosted Gatherings to Meet New People
Don’t shy away from social gatherings, be it a community event, a virtual dinner party, or a local festival.
Such events are great places to make friends as adults, providing a perfect opportunity for meeting new people and forming connections.
These gatherings offer a laid-back and casual atmosphere where you can easily interact with others who share your interests or experiences.
Therefore, if you’re someone who finds the idea of approaching new people daunting, these events can be especially beneficial.
Remember, every person you meet has the potential to become a friend, a mentor, or even a future collaborator in your personal or professional life.
4. Take Classes or Workshops to Put Yourself Out There
Part of the many reasons why we struggle to build friendships as adults is due to the fact that we choose to stop learning the older we get.
Education isn’t solely for the young! In fact, learning a new skill not only benefits cognitive health and slows aging but it also creates opportunities to meet new people and foster friendships at any stage of life.
Thus, I recommend signing up for a class or workshop in an area you’re interested in, such as cooking, book-reading, photography, gaming, creative writing, or even a local gardening club.
It’s also a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals (just like you did in high school) and provides a regular meeting point to nurture budding friendships.
5. Volunteer to Make Friends with Similar Interests
If you have a little bit of extra time within your week, consider volunteering at a local community center, library, or non-profit organization, as it’s not only a fulfilling way to give back but also a fantastic avenue to make friends as an adult.
Choose causes you’re passionate about. That way you can meet and make friends with people who share similar interests and values, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections.
6. Take Advantage of Social Media and Friendship Apps
For my introverted guys and girlies out there, this one might just be your best shot.
In today’s digital age, making friends as an adult can also happen online.
With popular social media apps like TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Snapchat, making friends as an adult has never been easier.
If you are the introverted type or are extremely busy and can’t seem to attend in-person meetups, consider using these social media platforms or friendship apps like Meetup to connect with people in your area.
There are dozens of more apps out there designed to help you connect with new people with shared interests. Thus, I recommend taking advantage of them.
7. Be Open and Approachable To Meeting New People
To make new friends as an adult, it’s essential to be open to new experiences and people.
Keep a positive attitude and be willing to engage with others.
Remember to smile, make eye contact, and have an open stance. These simple actions make you more approachable and can encourage others to start a conversation with you.
Sometimes, making friends is as easy as being ready and open to the possibilities that come your way.
Embrace the Journey of Making Friends in Adulthood
Making friends in adulthood requires a bit of effort, but it’s entirely possible.
By leveraging your existing network, engaging in hobbies, attending events, learning new things, volunteering, utilizing technology, and staying open, you’ll build a rich and fulfilling social life.
Remember, friendship adds joy, support, and value to our lives, so it’s worth the effort.
