15 Proven Ways To Make New Friends As An Adult
Who is the most recent friend who entered your social group? When did you meet? Was it more than ten years ago? Probably not. Yet, most of us tend to believe that making friends as an adult is incredibly difficult. Spoiler alert: it’s not. While it may be more challenging than when we were in college, making new friends as an adult is entirely possible and an essential skill to learn. Why? Because solitude can be a silent killer that negatively affects all aspects of your life. So, how can you start meeting like-minded people and creating deep bonds? Here are a few suggestions.
Join A Club Or Group
Join a club or group to get involved in what you like as a way to make friends. Whether it’s a book club, gardening group, or yoga class, joining a club that matches your interests is a great way to meet people who are into the same things. When you share hobbies, it’s easier to chat and connect, which makes it easier to create connections that lead to lasting friendships.
Attend Community Events
Get involved in local community events and gatherings. Community events like farmers’ markets, festivals, or charity fundraisers provide excellent opportunities to meet new people in a relaxed and enjoyable setting, so you don’t overthink it. Engaging in local activities helps you connect with neighbors and build a sense of belonging in your community while forming new friendships.
Take A Class
Enroll in a class to learn something new and meet new people. A cooking, painting, or a foreign language class can be educational and social. The shared learning experience can spark conversations and help you bond with classmates, leading to potential friendships that you can foster and cultivate to become long-lasting, solid connections you will cherish for life.
Volunteer For A Cause
Volunteering presents a meaningful opportunity to engage with new acquaintances while contributing positively to a cause. Identify a cause that resonates deeply with you and dedicate your time to volunteer work. Collaborating with others similarly dedicated to effecting change can facilitate the establishment of robust, enduring connections founded on mutual esteem and common principles.
Use Social Media And Online Platforms
Don’t forget to use social media and online platforms to find local groups and events. Contact local interest groups on Facebook or Meetup to discover what’s happening in your area; you never know how many people are also looking to make genuine friendships! Being active online could help you make real-world connections and meet new people who are into the same things as you.
Workshops
Going to workshops, seminars, or groups that offer them can bring opportunities to learn and network simultaneously. These events often include group activities and discussions, providing a conducive environment for meeting new friends with similar passions that can spark great connections in your life. What are you waiting for? Check whether there are workshops or seminars in your area that you would like to join!
Reconnect With Old Acquaintances
Reach out to old friends or acquaintances you’ve lost touch with. Sometimes, rekindling old connections can lead to new friendships. You can even consider the idea of contacting a whole group of friends you haven’t seen in ages. Contact former classmates, colleagues, or neighbors and suggest meeting for coffee or a catch-up chat. Reconnecting with familiar faces can reignite a sense of camaraderie and shared history.
Join A Fitness Class Or Group
Participate in a fitness class or group to stay active and meet new people. Whether it’s a walking group, dance class, or Pilates session, joining a fitness class can boost your health and social life. The regular meetings and shared fitness goals create a supportive environment for making new friends and building lasting connections. Don’t be shy to ask someone there whether they would like to have a tea after your class.
Engage In Hobbies And Personal Interests
Pursue your hobbies and interests where others gather. Engage in activities you love, such as knitting circles, hiking groups, or photography clubs. Pursuing hobbies with others who share your passion fosters a natural environment for developing friendships and ensures you have common interests and grounds for connection to develop. You already have something in common, so the chances of getting alone are higher!
Networking Events
Don’t forget to attend professional networking events to meet people in your field as another area to make friends. These events aren’t just for making business contacts and building personal connections. They allow you to meet people with similar career interests, which could lead to professional and personal friendships that may last a lifetime.
Be A Regular In Your Area
Frequent local cafes, parks, markets, or libraries to become a familiar face. Becoming a regular at local spots helps you meet other regulars and staff, creating opportunities for casual conversations that can evolve into friendships over time. Familiarity breeds comfort and trust, essential ingredients for forming new connections. So, stop trying a new café every weekend and try to go to the same one every day.
Start A Group Or Event
Initiate a group or event based on your interests. Start one if you can’t find a group that matches your interests! Whether it’s a book club, walking group, or weekly coffee meet-up, initiating a group allows you to bring together people with similar interests and start building new friendships from the ground up. We always wait for others to take the initiative, so why not be that person for once?
Travel
When was the last time you organized a trip to a foreign country? Traveling is one of the best ways to meet new people and form connections. When you are in a place where everything is new, you tend to look for what is familiar, for instance, a fellow traveler from the US! The downside, however, is that your fellow traveler may come from a completely different state, meaning that once you return home, you must put an effort to keep in touch.
Consider Sharing Your House
If you like a big house, consider sharing it with a housemate. Spending time daily with people will help you create a deep connection with them that will surely turn into a friendship. Plus, you can choose the best candidate if the house is yours! If you already live with housemates but haven’t developed a strong connection with them, consider moving to another house to find like-minded people.
Coworking
When it comes to making new friendships, freelancers struggle more simply because they spend most of their time alone, namely their working hours. People working for a company often hang out with their colleagues, but what if you don’t have coworkers? A good option is opting for a coworking space! This will give you the chance to meet other freelancers and connect!
