By: Lexi Nass, LCSW

Many people find that making friends as an adult can be very challenging. Whether you moved to a new city, have shifted your values, or are seeking to broaden your friendships, the idea of making new friends can feel scary, awkward, and overwhelming. If you are someone that relates to this feeling, or have struggled with this situation, you are not alone. It is common that the experience of making friends can feel more challenging as you get older. The opportunities to make friends can often feel less “natural” compared to your childhood years where you could make friends with people in your class, on a sports team, or in your neighborhood.

Making friends as an adult is like dating; you really need to try and put yourself out there if you want to meet new people. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone may feel overwhelming at first, however, you cannot expect to meet others unless you are willing to put in the effort. Relationships are typically reciprocal!

While it may not feel like it, there are so many people going through this same feeling. Allowing yourself the opportunity to meet others going through the same experience as you can feel validating and comforting. Once you move past the initial awkward and uncomfortable stages, it can be worth the reward of making great and meaningful friendships. If you are someone that struggles with figuring out where to even start, here are some ideas of ways to meet new people and make friends:

-       Get involved in a philanthropic organization that you are passionate about

-       Find new hobbies/activities, such as: pickleball, kickball leagues, tennis, , book club, cooking classes, running club

-       Sign up for group workout classes

-       Go to work social outings - happy hours, dinners, or planned events

-       Check out local restaurant events - many restaurants offer different social happenings such as live music nights, trivia nights, game nights, open-mic nights

-       Work from a local coffee shop or common work area space rather than working from home

-       Download Bumble BFF- like a dating app, this is a fun and great

way to meet people and initiate conversations before you decide if you want to meet up in person

-       Say “yes” to more social plans with friends- being more social allows more opportunities to meet people, as well as the potential of meeting friends of friends

-       Check out different Facebook groups for social events and group gatherings

-       Sit at a bar rather than a table- whether you’re dining alone or with someone else, sitting at the bar allows you to be more approachable and provides more opportunities to talk to other people standing or sitting at the bar

-       Join a group for young professionals at your local religious institution

Making friends as an adult can be challenging and overwhelming. If you are someone that is looking for ways to meet more people, but often avoids putting in the effort out of fear of rejection, or you do not know where to begin, reach out to hello@upsidertherapy.com for support on navigating your experience.