How To Make Friends As An Adult

Have you ever experienced moving to a new city for a fresh start or a new job opportunity? Did you find it difficult to make friends? If you answered yes to both of these questions you are not alone. Psychologists note that it is quite common to experience a lack of new friendships as you age. Once we enter adulthood and leave college making new friends can be discouraging, and the older we get the more difficult it becomes. Add an extra layer of complications such as social distancing and you might as well consider yourself a loner as your pool of friends becomes smaller and smaller.

But WHY you ask…

Sociology professor, Rebecca G. Adams reveals that external conditions such as, “proximity; repeated, unplanned interactions; and a setting that encourages people to let their guard down and confide in each other,” are ways that can affect the way people make friends. Leaving the comfort of the ivory towers, becoming independent thinkers, and discovering who we really are can cause us to reflect on the people that we surround ourselves with regularly. Eventually the quality of our friendships may take precedence over the quantity of friends in our circle and having secure friendships that withstand the test of time might even become more important than the connections we have with family.

Research shows that making solid connections with people is “critical for a person’s health and happiness.” This is why we want to encourage you to put yourself out there and build new relationships with people. In honour of National Best Friend Day we’re sharing six ways you can make new friends as an adult. We’re confident you’ll meet someone new and who knows even become bff’s.

1. Start a new hobby or take classes
2. Use friendship apps (i.e. Bumble BFF)
3. Join groups that interest you (i.e. Meetup)
4. Volunteer
5. Explore your network and mutual friendship pools
6. Get outside and be active (i.e. walk your dog or try a new outdoor fitness routine)

Let us know if you use any of these tips in the comments below!