Making Friends as an Adult

Y'all, nobody warned us that making friends as an adult would be this hard. When you're a kid it just kind of... happens. Now you're out here fully grown, with a packed schedule and zero idea how to casually make a new best friend. Same. It is a whole thing.

But here's the good news: it is absolutely not too late. It just takes a little more intention than it used to. Here are some ways to actually make it happen.

Pursue Your Interests
Join a club, a class, a group, anything centered around something you already love. Book clubs, hiking groups, pottery classes, whatever your thing is. You will automatically have something to talk about with everyone there, which takes so much pressure off.

Show Up to Community Events
Farmers' markets, festivals, concerts, local pop-ups. Go, wander around, and just be open to conversation. You never know who you are standing next to.

Volunteer
Find a cause you care about and get involved. You will be surrounded by people who share your values, and that is a really solid foundation for a friendship.

Join a Sports League or Fitness Group
If you are even a little bit competitive or just want a reason to move your body, a local league or group class is a great option. Shared suffering builds bonds, honestly.

Say Yes to Social Gatherings
Even when you don't know anyone. Especially when you don't know anyone. Walk in, introduce yourself, ask people questions, and actually listen. It feels awkward for approximately five minutes and then it gets easier.

Take a Class
A community center class, a workshop, an online course with a local meetup component. Learning something new alongside other people is such a natural way to connect.

Use Social Media Groups
Find groups online built around your interests and actually participate. Friendships that start online are just as real, and a lot of them eventually move into the real world too. Just meet up somewhere public the first time, use your common sense.

Be Approachable
This one sounds simple but it matters. Smile. Make eye contact. Put your phone away sometimes. Show genuine interest in what people have to say. Everyone around you is also just looking to connect, even if they are not showing it.

Making friends as an adult takes time, and that is okay. Keep showing up, keep being yourself, and you will find your people. Promise.

— Jules☀️