How do you make friends as an adult?
Believe it or not, I used to be the life of the party. I had many ‘friends’ and was able to chat it up with anyone at any time, whenever I felt like it. Almost 30 years later, my kids would say that I’m very anti-social. I can probably count the number of friends I actually have on one hand. Yes, you read that correctly.
There’s a huge difference between a friend and an acquaintance.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” That’s the truth. So how do you find these people? How do you make friends as an adult?
And why is it as adults that we have fewer friends than we did as kids?
Because people suck! Yes, I said it. Many people are self-centered, judgmental, and just flat-out mean. It’s hard to find good people.
But don’t worry, I’m here to help you out. Here are some tips on how to make friends as an adult:
1. Join a club or group
This is a great way to meet people with similar interests as your own. It can be anything from a book club, knitting group, softball team, biking club, etc. There are Meetup groups for just about everything these days. Do a search online for ones in your area and go to a few meetups to see which ones you like best.
2. Get a job
If you don’t have one already, getting a job is a great way to meet new people. You’ll be spending at least 40 hours a week with these people so it’s a great way to get to know them better. If you’re shy, start by just saying hi and getting to know their names. Once you’re comfortable, invite them out for lunch or coffee.
But maybe being friends with coworkers might not be the best idea for a lot of people, as many would prefer to separate their work and home life. In that case, try to find a job that involves working with the public. This could be anything from being a bartender, waitress, retail worker, etc.
3. Volunteer
This is a great way to give back and meet new people at the same time. There are many different types of volunteering you can do, so find something that interests you. Check with your local hospitals, schools, animal shelters, nursing home, food banks, etc., and see if they have any volunteer opportunities available.
4. Go out and socialize
This may sound like an obvious one, but it’s important to get out there and socialize if you want to make new friends. Start by going out to places where you’ll be able to meet new people. This could be anything from a bar, a nightclub, a restaurant, a park, a museum, or even the grocery store. Go to happy hours, attend networking events, join a gym or take a fitness class, go out to dinner or to the movies with friends, etc. Just strike up a conversation with someone and see where it goes from there.
5. Use social media
If meeting people in person isn’t your thing, you can always start by connecting with them online. Social media is an excellent way to meet people who share your interests. You can start by joining relevant groups on Facebook or following hashtags on Twitter and Instagram. Once you start interacting with people online, you may eventually feel comfortable meeting them in person.
Bonus Tip:
Be open and friendly
This is probably the most important tip of all. Be open and friendly to those around you when you’re out and about. Smile, strike up conversations, offer help when needed, etc. People are more likely to be drawn to you if you’re friendly and approachable. Making friends as an adult doesn’t have to be difficult if you just put yourself out there and are open to meeting new people.
In Conclusion
If you want to make friends as an adult, it takes a lot of work. You have to be intentional about it and put yourself out there. Join social groups, go on dates, or just start talking to people. The most important thing is to be genuine and authentic in your interactions with others. It may take some time, but eventually, you’ll find people who share your interests and values, and those will be the friendships that last a lifetime.
Making friends as an adult doesn’t have to be difficult if you know where to look. By using these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a great social circle. So get out there and start making some new friends today!
