How to Make Friends As An Adult
Reconnect with old friends- Maybe there are some friends that you just haven’t hit up in a while to hang out with. Starting here will ensure that you do not have to go through that awkward “getting to know you phase”, although there may be a bit of catching up to do.
Join a networking group- Your city probably has dozens of these groups. The easiest way to find them is by searching words like “group” with your city on Instagram or googling networking groups in your city.
Join a meetup group- Meetup.com is a great way to find social groups with similar interests in your area.
Find a local book club or visit the library - If you love a good read, then this option is perfect for you. You can pursue your hobby while also meeting new people. Plus, healthy discussions on topics presented in a novel is a great way to cipher through compatibility without being obvious.
Take your dog for a walk in a nearby park - This one is a good one for those who don’t know how to break the ice because you won’t have to with a dog in hand, people will naturally flock to you. Just start up a convo, and go from there.
Join a sports team - No, you don’t have to be a pro, because there is probably a league in your town for people who want to play for fun. In Atlanta, Atlanta Sports and Social Club is great for this very thing.
Facebook Groups - This one may sound weird, but Facebook Groups are the new “in” thing on social media right now and they are a great way to meet people. Lots of cities have a Facebook group devoted to them and a quick “Looking for a friend” post is a great way to meet new people.
Volunteering- This is a great way to meet people with a similar heart of service. Plus, consistent volunteering guarantees that you’ll see the same people often.
Through Playdates - If you have kids, friending the parents of your kid’s friends can turn play dates into a cool hang with a new buddy
Apps - Bumble BFF is a great way to meet new people without the pressure of having to have a random friendship meet-cute.
Now, if you’re a bit of an awkward then let me give you some pointers so you’re not out here weirding people out trying to be friendly.
Remember to be engaged - Listen to what they say and respond thoughtfully. You are looking to find commonalities to build bonds around.
Treat early conversations like improv - What I mean by this is play the “yes, and” game. This keeps conversations from dying out prematurely and keeps the other party from feeling like they are carrying the conversation.
Lastly, and most importantly, communicate consistently - Newer friendships take a bit more effort to develop so make sure you stay in touch.
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