How to Make Friends as an Adult
Learn practical tips for making meaningful friendships as an adult and building lasting connections, despite the challenges of busy schedules and social circles. We discuss it here!
Photo Credit: Diamond Dogs via iStockPhoto.com
By: Jamila Gomez
Making friends as an adult can feel like an uphill battle. Unlike childhood or college years, where friendships seem to form effortlessly, adulthood often brings new challenges—busy schedules, responsibilities, and sometimes, the daunting feeling that everyone else already has their social circle. But the good news is that it's entirely possible to make new friends as an adult, and the process can be both fulfilling and enjoyable. Here’s how you can do it.
1. Understand That It’s Normal
First, it’s important to recognize that feeling lonely or wanting new friendships is entirely normal. Many adults find themselves in a place where their old friendships have drifted apart due to life changes like moving, career shifts, or starting a family. Accepting this as a natural part of life can ease the pressure and make you more open to new connections.
2. Put Yourself Out There
Making friends requires you to step out of your comfort zone. It might mean joining a new club, attending social events, or even striking up conversations with strangers in situations where you normally wouldn’t. Activities like joining a gym, signing up for a cooking class, or attending a community event can be great ways to meet like-minded people.
3. Leverage Your Existing Network
Sometimes, the best way to make new friends is to connect more deeply with acquaintances or friends of friends. If you know someone casually, invite them to hang out one-on-one. Attending social gatherings where you know a few people but aren’t necessarily close to everyone can also be a great way to expand your circle.
4. Be Genuine
Authenticity is key when forming new friendships. Be yourself, and let your personality shine through. People are drawn to those who are genuine and open. Don’t be afraid to share your interests, opinions, and even vulnerabilities. Real connections are built on honesty and mutual understanding.
5. Practice Active Listening
One of the most important aspects of making friends is showing a genuine interest in others. Ask questions, listen attentively, and remember details from your conversations. This not only shows that you care but also helps build a stronger connection. People appreciate when they feel heard and understood.
6. Be Patient
Building friendships takes time. Just like any relationship, friendships require effort and consistency. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to find your tribe or if not every connection turns into a close friendship. Keep putting in the effort, and over time, meaningful relationships will develop.
7. Use Social Media Wisely
While face-to-face interactions are invaluable, social media can be a useful tool for making friends as an adult. Platforms like Meetup, Bumble BFF, or even hobby-specific Facebook groups can help you connect with people who share your interests. However, be sure to transition online interactions to real-life meetings whenever possible to deepen the connection.
8. Be Open to Different Types of Friendships
As an adult, your friendships might not look like they did when you were younger. Some friends may be coworkers, others may be parents you meet through your children, and some might even be people you only see once in a while but have a deep connection with. Embrace the variety and recognize that different friends can fulfill different roles in your life.
9. Take the Initiative
Don’t wait for others to make the first move. If you meet someone you’d like to get to know better, suggest getting together. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, going for a walk, or attending an event together, taking the initiative shows that you’re interested in building a friendship.
10. Maintain the Friendship
Once you’ve made a new friend, maintaining the friendship is crucial. Regular communication, whether through texting, calling, or meeting up, is key to keeping the bond strong. Also, be supportive, celebrate their successes, and be there during tough times—just like you would with any other important relationship.
Making friends as an adult may require more effort and intention than it did when you were younger, but it’s definitely worth it. Friendships enrich our lives, provide support, and bring joy. By being open, proactive, and patient, you can build meaningful connections that last a lifetime. So, take that first step—put yourself out there, and start making friends!
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The Art Of Networking: 3 Easy Tips To Becoming A Master Networker
A college degree may be necessary to get your foot in the door, but the art of networking can open doors that your degree will not! Here are 3 easy tips to help you become a master networker!
By: Omar Cook
A college degree may be necessary to get your foot in the door for a lot of professions, but the art of networking can open doors that your degree will not. Why is this so? Because people will relate to you more as a real individual rather than the accolades you put down on a piece of paper (your resume). Networking is a skill that takes practice. It’s not an easy task to walk up to a stranger and strike a conversation, but it is a necessary skill that is required for anyone that is looking to level up in any kind of way. In today’s world, communication and being able to sell yourself can take you to new heights.
I could give you a lengthy post of 20 tips on how to effectively network, but I will save that for an additional post. So I’m giving you 3 easy tips to help you become a master networker! Apply these tips and watch your circle of influence change!
1. Always Carry Business Cards
I cannot stress this enough, carrying a business card is extremely important. If you’re a person that’s in business for themselves or you have a brand that you feel people need to know about, it’s a must that you carry a business card on you at all times. You just never know who you’re going to meet. A lot of times people don’t have time to sit and wait for you to input their number and contact info into your phone, so handing them a business card is a quick and easy way to get your info in the right hands. And if you’re dealing with people who are truly professional, most of the time they will ask you if you have a business card. It took me a few times of being asked for a card to realize that this was a big deal and that I needed to have this. A true business owner and master networker is always ready with a card on deck. You can get a box of 500 cards for just $30 on vista print. Don’t miss an opportunity because you were unprepared!
2. Always Be Yourself
Don’t be that person that finally gets in front of someone you’ve been waiting to meet for the longest and blows the opportunity because you were trying to be someone you’re not. The right people will love you for who you are, so if you’re having to put on a front to impress someone, it’s a good chance that it’s not a right fit. Let’s say you meet someone but you met them with a false persona; now you have to work harder to keep up the front! Who has time for that? People will be able to tell the real from the fake and the best relationships you make will always be through genuine interactions. Just being myself has opened up so many doors for me. A person just may give you an opportunity that you may not be fully qualified for just based off your personality and attitude. Be true to yourself and you will attract the right opportunities into your life!
3. Always Follow Up
After you’ve locked in that dope new contact that you just met by exchanging business cards and being yourself, it’s a MUST that you follow up with that person. Just sending a short message of gratitude explaining how it was nice to meet them and you look forward to speaking with them soon can go a long way. Not only do they have your contact, but now they know you’re serious about working with them because you took the time out to follow up. This is where the magic happens. The follow up can lead to job opportunities, meetings, and further communication. Make sure that you’re following up in a professional manner that’s straight to the point!
I want all of you to land that dream opportunity that you’ve been hoping for so I hope these tips will guide you in building your network! Be blessed!
