6 Easy Ways to Make Friends as an Adult

Making friends as an adult is not easy. From childhood through our early 20s, there are multiple opportunities to meet people: Recess! After-school clubs! College! But once you get into the rhythm of a 9 to 5 job, it can be difficult to go outside your immediate circle and have meaningful conversations with anyone that’s not in your apartment or your office. Below, these six ways yo make friends.

1. The New Starts With The Old

The first thing you should do is to reconnect with your old friends. Doing this is easy; it’s not scary. They’re people you already have a history with, and it doesn’t take a lot of time or work to get to know them. Go to Facebook or LinkedIn and send some texts. Boom. You already have more friends.

2. Try New Things

When you are looking to make friends, it’s important to expand your horizons and try new things. If you want to learn how to cook, join a cooking class. , and spark a conversation with the person at your workstation. There’s a variety of classes you can choose from online, or check out community colleges or local institutions offering self-improvement or recreational courses.

3. Find a local book club or visit the library.

If you can read your way to happiness, you might as well do it with someone by your side. Instead of snuggling up at home with one of the buzziest books of 2020, take a trip to the library and see if there’s anyone in your favorite section who piques your interest or who’s eyeing an anticipated read you can’t wait to bury your nose in.

4. Be the conversation starter

It’s not your imagination that people seem busy and noncommittal when it comes to making new friends. But as long as you get some basic friendliness (no grunting and staring at their phone when you say hello), try this mindset: Assume that they like you, and act in kind.

5. Reach out to Neighbors

Some of the best friends people have are their neighbors. Yet, many people don’t recognize the potential friend who lives right next door. They simply give the courtesy wave across the street and then close their door. But there may be some great friendships waiting to be made just down the street from where you live. So, the next time you are both out, do more than just wave.

6. Maintain the Friendships You Make

After you have established a few connections, it’s important to stay in contact. Friendships are like plants. If you don’t water them regularly, they will die. So, make sure you are regularly reaching out to your new friends. Call or text them consistently just to check up on how they are doing. Ask about their life. Show an interest in the things that are important to them. A good friend doesn’t make the friendship all about their needs; but also takes an active interest in the other person.