9 Ways to Make Friends as an Adult

Friends are important for you – but it can be hard to make new friends sometimes. Check out these 9 simple tips to make new friends as an adult!

Friends Are Important for Our Health

"Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joys, and dividing our grief." Marcus Tullius Cicero, 63 BC. – This quote still rings true today!

It has been proven that having close relationships with friends contributes to better health, happiness, and well-being. Those with friends have a stronger immune system, are more mentally stable, and heal more quickly after an illness. Unfortunately, according to studies, the number of friendships among Americans has decreased over the last two decades.

So how do we reverse this discouraging trend? We need stable, intense friendships that can help to prolong life. Because in difficult times it's friends who will help you and boost your confidence again.

Most of us would rather have a few good friends to rely on than many that might disappear. But there really is no magic number of friends. Some people might be happy with two or three close friends while others need more friendship in order to feel connected.

Loneliness Can Make You Sick

Loneliness, on the other hand, can make you ill – especially physically. Studies from the seventies and eighties already showed how strong this effect is. Even then, researchers observed that people without close relationships were more likely to die earlier than those with close friends.

However, people who cultivate their friendships not only have a survival advantage – they may also be better protected against mental illness. That’s why, in times of crisis, don’t immediately rush to a psychotherapist, but first speak with friends or family.

Friends- the Family You Choose

In a study of more than 270,000 adults, researchers found that friendships had a stronger influence on well-being in the elderly than connections to family members. One strong factor here is that we're more likely to live in close proximity with friends than family, so we have more opportunities for daily personal encounters. Even when you're not close to family, staying in touch with them through resources like the FamilyApp can help to strengthen those friendships.

A second study by the same researchers noted that when friendships were going through difficult times, the participants reported having more illnesses. So we don't just want to develop strong friendships; we need to maintain them throughout our life!

How to Make Friends as an Adult

Unfortunately, many adults find it difficult to both find and keep friendships. Juggling work and caring for children takes time, and friendships are often not given a high priority. In addition, making new friends is not easy. But there are some ways to find friends. Here are 6 tips to get new friends:

1. Join a Club

Do you like to play tennis? Knit? Read books? Go camping? There are so many clubs covering a wide variety of interests. Finding places where people have similar hobbies to yours can be a natural way to find friends.

2. Go on a Date With Potential New Friends

If you're a parent, you might frequently organize play dates for your kids while neglecting your own social life. Why not have their friends' parents over for dinner, with or without the kids?

3. Take a Class

You'll learn something new and might meet a new friend in the process.

4. Volunteer

Not only will you give back to the community, but you'll also meet people with passions similar to yours.

5. Go to Church

Churches or other places of worship are a fantastic place to meet new people, and they frequently organize social events so you can get to know new faces quickly.

6. Go to the Gym

Group classes are another way to meet people with similar interests, and working out is another benefit.

No matter which activity you choose, you can do it! Where there’s a will, there’s a way! And these additional tips help you to make adult friendships:

7. Be Yourself

You don't want to get any kind of friends but people who will share your interests, sense of humor, or taste in music. So be true to yourself and you will find your kind of people to hang out with.

8. Be Open

You are more of a shy guy and starting a conversation is hard for you? Read on here for some tips and conversational ice breakers. Keep also in mind that being open does not only have to mean you start a talk – it can also mean you are open to another person talking to you.

9. Get to Know the Person

When you have difficulties with keeping a conversation running, ask some questions. Find out about their hobbies, likes, and dislikes. Another idea is to refer to some news you heard or a headline you recently read. You could also talk about a movie you just watched, your new fitness gear or your favorite book – whatever you like!

Long Live Friendship!

True friendships are hard to come by but worth fighting for. If you're feeling lonely, chances are many people around you are too, so don't feel afraid to reach out to potential new friends. You've probably heard that "the best way to make a friend is to be a friend," and it's true.

If there are people in your life who are potential new friends, make an effort to get to know them, go out for coffee, or just be kind. They probably need a good friend, too.

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