Remember when striking up a conversation at the playground about your favourite colour was enough to begin a friendship?
As children, we were more forgiving of our differences and connecting over a shared love for ice cream was enough to become best friends.
As adults, our many responsibilities leave very little spare time for friendships. And the friendships we do develop are often superficial and situational.
Making new friends as an adult is tough. Yet, we know having meaningful friendships can be good for our mental and physical health.
Here, we explore some practical tips on how to make friends as an adult that you can start implementing immediately.
Tips for Making Friends as an Adult
1. Join an Interest-Based Group
Whether it’s a knitting group, a book club, a hiking group, or a spin class, connecting with like-minded individuals becomes easier when you join an interest-based group.
Workshops and classes are also an excellent place for meeting new people.
Having something in common built into the activity can make for easy conversation and could lead to long-lasting friendships.
2. Say ‘Yes’ to Invitations
Going straight home after work or staying home on the weekends will not help you make new friends.
While you do not have to say yes to every invitation to go out and mingle, leaving yourself open for social opportunities could lead to positive connections.
The same goes if you are a parent. Got a birthday party invitation from your kiddo’s classmate? Go for it! You might meet some like-minded parents to add to your group.
3. Volunteer at a Local Non-Profit
Helping a cause close to your heart can not only help others in need, but can be good for your mental health, and can be a strong foundation for creating meaningful friendships.
4. Connect with Mutual Friends
Don’t ignore the untapped potential of your current friendships.
Your existing friendships could open the door to a new circle of friends. You already get along with your friends. Who’s to say you couldn’t potentially get along with theirs?
Keep an open mind and an open heart, connections can be made in unexpected ways.
5. Befriend Colleagues
Yes, it can be tricky to befriend a colleague.
However, the workplace can be another place where you can meet individuals with similar backgrounds and interests.
Accept casual, after-work gatherings from time to time. Spending time with co-workers outside of the office can lead to real connections and friendships that can outlast your professional relationships.
6. Reconnect with Old Friends
We’ve all lost contact with friends at one point or another.
Whether it is because we’ve moved, got married, or developed different interests, life often gets in the way and before we know it, we forget to stay in touch.
Why not reconnect with your best friend from middle school? Or your old college roommate?
Not only can you continue your friendship based on your shared history, but they can also be a great source for new connections, such as old classmates.
7. Join a Recreational Sports League
Taking part in an enjoyable sports activity has the potential to develop new friendships built right into it. With regular training practices, matches, and post-game gatherings and social events, there are plenty of opportunities to make friends as an adult.
Maybe you’re not so much into sports but want to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. It never hurts to try, just take it easy on yourself and select something low-impact to start.
8. Find a Church or a Spiritual Community
Faith and religion have community built right into it.
Spiritual fellowship can help build meaningful relationships at a deeper level and a wonderful support system.
Faith-based communities often have events and activities you can help organise or participate in.
9. Explore Your Local Community
Tap into your city’s local events calendar and find something that may get you out of the house and mingling with others.
Local events at coffee shops and breweries, or art festivals and farmers markets can provide opportunities for connections.
Keep an open mind and be friendly. Connections can be made in unexpected places.
10. Make Mum Friends
Children can be a great icebreaker for parents. Having children gives us common ground for shared experiences, especially if the kiddos are the same age.
School activities, extracurricular events, playdates, library story time, baby yoga, the playground, and volunteering at your kiddo’s school can all be places where you can meet like-minded parents and build a fantastic support system. While you won’t gel with every mum you meet, you may secure a few mum friends that share your values.
11. Don’t Forget About Your Family
If you have a family you are lucky to get along with, don’t forget about them. They are built-in relationships we can rely on for love and support.
As we get older, the dynamics within a family can change for the better. Parents, siblings, their partners their friends, and extended family members can all be a great way to expand your circle.
Yes, making friends as an adult is tough, but it is possible. Give it time, and be open-minded and positive. Remember that quality over quantity can also apply to friendships.
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Looking to connect with mums going through the same parenting stages as you? We have several supportive Facebook Groups where you can connect with other parents. Join the group, engage in the chats, see who is in your area and catch up (if you’d like). Our groups are super supportive and fun!
- Hot Deals Australia
- Pregnancy Mums Australia
- Baby and Toddler Mums Australia
- Mums of Tweens and Teens
