Making new friends can be challenging for anyone, but especially difficult for adults. As we get older, our social circles tend to shrink as people move, get married, have kids, or become absorbed in their careers. However, having meaningful friendships throughout adulthood is incredibly important for both mental and physical health. Friends keep us happy, boost our self-confidence, reduce stress, and even help us live longer lives.
If you feel like you’ve lost touch with old pals or want to expand your social circle, there are plenty of effective ways to meet and make new friends as an adult. It simply takes effort, an open mind, and a little courage to put yourself out there. With the right attitude and approach, you can build lasting bonds and enrich your life through adult friendship.
Overcoming Barriers to Making Friends
Before diving into tips for making friends, it helps to identify and overcome some of the common obstacles that prevent adults from connecting. Some key barriers may include:
Lack of Free Time
Between work, family, and other commitments, busy schedules can make it hard to find time to meet new people. But prioritizing your social life and calendaring in time for social activities can help. Look at your schedule and identify at least one recurring time slot you can devote to social plans.
Social Anxiety
Many adults feel awkward, shy, or nervous when trying to make new friends. But don’t let fear hold you back. Start small by making conversation with people you encounter. The more practice you get engaging with new people, the more comfortable you’ll become.
Not Knowing Where to Meet People
Unlike school or college, adult life doesn’t come prepackaged with activities and peers your age. You have to seek out the right social venues and opportunities to mingle. With some effort, there are plenty of great places to connect with potential friends.
Lack of Confidence
Doubts about putting yourself out there or fear of rejection can sabotage your efforts to make friends. Boost your confidence by remembering all the wonderful qualities you bring to the table. Focus on being open, approachable, and interested in getting to know people.
Mobility Issues
Health conditions or physical limitations may make it harder to leave the house and attend social events. In those cases, look for ways to adapt activities or connect online. Reach out for help organizing transportation or assistance if needed.
Tips for Making Friends as an Adult
Pushing past those barriers is the first step to building new friendships. Once you’ve committed to putting yourself out there, employ these proven tips for meeting people:
1. Attend Classes and Workshops
Enrolling in a class or workshop is a built-in opportunity to meet others with similar interests. Try a cooking, arts & crafts, wine tasting, home improvement, or any other class that appeals to your hobbies and passions. Introduce yourself to classmates and suggest grabbing food or drinks after a session.
2. Volunteer
Volunteering allows you to meet other caring, community-minded people while working together towards a deserving cause. Animal shelters, museums, churches, theaters, and charitable organizations are always looking for help. Sign up for a regular volunteer shift to interact with the same people repeatedly.
3. Join Community Groups
Check sites like Instagram and Facebook for local groups organized around activities, hobbies, sports, games, books, and other interests. Join groups that match your lifestyle and start attending meetups. These are filled with like-minded people open to meeting new friends.
4. Take Up a Sport
Participating in sports like bowling, tennis, softball, or a running club provides plenty of social time before, during, and after events. Many amateur clubs welcome beginners, so don’t be intimidated if you’re not already an expert athlete. Focus on having fun first.
5. Try Co-Ed Leagues
For sports like volleyball, kickball, and other active games, join a recreational co-ed league in your area. They’re designed specifically for adults to meet, mingle, and socialize around a common activity. Different skill levels and free agent signups welcome individuals looking to join a team.
6. Attend Industry/Career Events
Your career field likely hosts lectures, conventions, mixers, and other professional events. Attend these to connect with like-minded people focused on the same vocation or industry. You already have at least one big thing in common.
7. Go to Trivia Nights
Bars, breweries, and restaurants often host weekly trivia nights. Rally a group of friends and acquaintances or just show up solo. Ask to join teams that look friendly and welcoming. Trivia makes for enjoyable, low-pressure conversation.
8. Accept Invitations and Say Yes
When coworkers, acquaintances, or neighbors extend social invites, accept them. Even if it’s just a brown bag lunch or quick coffee meetup, take them up on the offer. Saying yes leads to more opportunities to connect one-on-one.
9. Try Online Friendship Apps
If in-person meetups aren’t working out, don’t discount online friendships. Apps like Bumble BFF allow you to swipe and match with potential platonic friends. Meet up in person once you hit it off via messaging. Video chat apps also allow you to make connections.
10. Adopt a Dog
You’re sure to meet fellow dog lovers and pet owners when you take your pup to a dog park, hike trails, or walk around the neighborhood. Chatting while your dogs play together makes for natural conversation starters and an instant shared interest.
Summary
Feeling lonely in adulthood is common if your social life has dwindled. But remember, it’s never too late to make new friends. Try putting yourself out there little by little. Smile and chat with acquaintances when you get the chance. Look for group activities that align with your interests. Accept invitations and say yes to new experiences.
Show genuine interest in other people and their lives. Offer compliments and well-wishes. Follow up and make plans to connect again. Building real relationships takes time and effort, but being a reliable, thoughtful friend can lead to meaningful bonds that enrich your life and banish loneliness.
The social world open to adults is vast; you just have to seek out the opportunities. By continually planting social seeds – however small – you’ll soon reap the rewards of lasting adult friendships.
