Making friends as a kid? Easy. Making friends as an adult? Not always so simple.
Between busy schedules, family responsibilities, careers, and social anxiety, it can feel like there’s no time or place to build meaningful new connections. But making friends isn’t something that’s only reserved for childhood! It’s absolutely possible to meet new people and form new relationships in your adult life; you just have to be more intentional about it.
1. Say Yes to Invitations (Even If You’re Tired)
There’s a reason people often say “the hardest part is showing up.” Getting yourself out the door and into a new situation can feel like a big mental task. When you do say yes to invitations, even when you could be doing other things (or staying home with your dog), you open the door to new connections.
Whether you see fliers for a neighborhood cookout, learn about a local workshop, or get invited to a friend-of-a-friend gathering, accepting invitations can build community. Even if you don’t meet your new best friend that day, you put yourself out there and met some new faces.
2. Pursue Shared Interests
Friendship thrives on common ground. Consider signing up for a local class or club—like a book club, running group, volunteer team, recreational sports, or crafting workshop—where you’re likely to meet people with similar interests. Shared experiences and passions create natural conversation topics.
3. Be the First to Reach Out
It might feel awkward at first, but taking the first step by suggesting coffee, sending an initial text, or starting an in-person conversation can open the door to deeper friendships. It can be scary to take a risk, but many people are just as open to connecting as you are.
4. Reconnect with Old Acquaintances
Reaching out to rekindle a connection can be easier than starting from scratch. Think about someone you used to work with, go to school with, or saw regularly at the gym. If you never had the opportunity to become closer friends but you enjoyed spending time with them, take a moment to reach out!
5. Make It a Habit
Like anything worth doing, making new friends takes time, effort, and consistency. Try to connect with people regularly, from grabbing lunch, joining a weekly class together, or simply checking in with a text. Relationships grow with steady attention.
6. Be Open, Honest, and Yourself
People connect with authenticity. Don’t be afraid to show who you are, share your interests, or admit that you’re looking to build friendships. Vulnerability invites connection and helps others feel safe doing the same.
Building new friendships as an adult might take a little extra effort and time, but it’s absolutely worth it. Strong relationships enrich your life, boost your mental health, and create the sense of community we all crave. You never know who you might meet tomorrow, so say yes, take the first step, and keep showing up.