How to Make Friends as an Adult: 5 Ways That Actually Work
Some go through life with a never changing, tight friendship group. You know, the types where they were all part of the same crowd at school, everyone gets on with one another, and now, as adults, they live within close proximity, and their partners and husbands are all best friends. It’s super cosy. That’s those people, and then there’s the rest of us.
Perhaps you were the introverted outcast during your teenage years or moved areas so many times you’ve lost count. You’ve got the odd friend here and there, but they’re scattered, living in different parts of the country or another country altogether. Come the weekend, you quickly realise that you’ve got no one to do stuff with; you’re on your own.
With others seemingly friended up since childhood, you’re left wondering, how do adults make friends? As a self-confessed loner but lover of healthy connections, here are my tried and tested methods for making friends as an adult.
Join Meetup
Accessible via both desktop and app, Meetup remains the leading platform for in-person socialising. Sign up and start joining whichever groups you fancy. The group organisers create and post events for people to attend; it’s a real case of pick and choose.
I enjoy the evening drinking socials because I’m basic like that, but there are plenty of events centred around more creative pursuits, such as painting or writing, or for people who like to get active. The brilliant thing about Meetup is that everyone is there to make new friends; you won’t look strange or desperate if you ask to exchange numbers.
Get Volunteering
How to make friends as an adult? People who volunteer are often looking to make new connections. I used to volunteer at an art gallery, but there are numerous opportunities to consider, from animal shelters and libraries to helping people without housing within an organisation.
Go for a trial session and get a sense of the place and other volunteers. People move in and out of volunteering all the time, so you’ll get to meet many new souls.
Try Friendship Apps for Adults
So, you’re probably familiar with dating apps, but did you know about apps for platonic friendship? The premise is very similar to Tinder and co, in that you match with other individuals and then move on to chat. If you both feel you’re getting along, arrange to meet in the real world. My favourite is Bumble BFF, but Yubo and WINK are worth a shout.
Turn to Social Media
No, I’m not talking about replying to those creepy messages that find your way to your inbox. If you have a public Instagram, Twitter/X account or similar, you’ll naturally start interacting with strangers online. Perhaps they leave a comment on your photo, you click their profile, and discover they look pretty sound. As the weeks go back, you talk more over the platform until you move into private messaging and arrange to meet in real life. As mad as it sounds, it can work.
Twitter is full of private groups that regularly meet up. I know; I’m part of a few. Get posting on the platform so others get a sense of who you are, and check out other user profiles for the same reason. The joy of social media is that everyone shows a part of their soul online; you can quickly see who you like and don’t.
Join a Support Group or Club
Do you suffer from a chronic illness that leaves you isolated? It may be worth summoning the energy to join a local support group. Not only will you connect with others in a similar boat who can empathise with your plight, but you’ll likely strike up a new friendship here and there. There are support groups for everything from domestic abuse and single parenting to financial hardship.
The alternative is to get out there and join a club. You may fancy a quiet book club or a boisterous sports club. Decide what suits your personality and needs at this time best. Making friends as an adult is all about putting yourself out there. It’s not necessarily easy, but when loneliness is causing you misery, it’s so worth it. Others will see your light before too long.
