How To Make Friends As an Adult

Many adults in the United States report feeling lonely despite achieving career success. The experience of devoting years to building a professional life while neglecting social connections is quite common. You do not have to be alone, however, and it is possible to make new friends as an adult. Shared interests can bring communities together as adults. Consider trying the following ways to make friends as an adult.

Join a Sports Club

An organized game or other athletic activity can be a great unifier. Join a local sports club or hang out at your neighborhood courts. Try doubles tennis or acquire a set of paddletek pickleball paddles to participate in the hottest trend. You can participate on a purely recreational basis or sign up for competitions alongside your new acquaintances. Organize a post-match brunch for extra bonding time with your sports club.

Start a Craft Group on Meetup

Meetup is a useful website for organizing an interest group in your city. You can make your group public or private, vetting new members as it grows. Promote your first casual event on social media and host it in an accessible public space, like a coffee shop or park. A craft group could simply bring their most mobile project, or you could specify a knitting goal.

Participate in a Workshop

Look for weekend workshops at art studios, yoga studios, cooking schools, music conservatories, gyms, museums, and other community centers. A workshop with an expert teacher can foster an equalizing positive environment for participants. Enjoy the acquisition of a special skill and make introductions with potential friends over several low-stakes days.

Travel Alone

Solo travel can be an ideal time to meet people outside of your immediate circle. You can grow in confidence while exploring new cities and embracing diverse cultures. Stay in communal hostels and hang out in spots favored by locals. You may also join a group of travelers on a guided tour or cruise.

Volunteer with a Local Organization

There are numerous valid reasons to volunteer your time and skills with a local nonprofit organization. You can be of service to your community and meet like-minded volunteers as you work shoulder-to-shoulder. Volunteer at shelters, food banks, libraries, after-school programs, housing aid organizations, and other events. Open hearts and minds can lead to great friendships.

Take Your Dog to a Park

Dog parents can meet at parks while they take their furry buddies out to play. Make an effort to chat with other dog people as you watch your companions romp through the grass. This is a nice way to make neighborhood connections and meet people beyond your office. Keep safe canine etiquette in mind and consider scheduling weekly one-on-one playdates for your pets.

Meet Through Existing Friends

Take care of your existing friendships and create opportunities for your respective groups to mix. A dinner party or barbeque picnic is a tasty social gathering with plenty of flexibility. Weaving friend groups together can expand everyone’s social sphere.

Join a Book Club

Sign up for an in-person book club at your local public library branch or independent bookstore. You could even start your own neighborhood book club by posting an information sheet. Plan your reading choices a couple of months before the meetings and prepare a few questions or observations for the group. Snacks and coffee or tea are always an appreciated addition.

Go to Concerts

Find concert buddies by attending concerts on your own. It may be intimidating to go to a concert by yourself, but you will quickly connect with fellow fans of the band and have people who share your enthusiasm for the genre. Try to make plans to attend future events with concert pals.