Mar 09

How to Make Friends as an Adult (Without It Feeling Awkward)

Making friends as a kid? Easy. You just ask, “Wanna play?” and boom, you’re best friends. But as an adult? It’s a little trickier. Work, responsibilities, and life in general make it harder to build new friendships. If you’re struggling to make new friends, you’re not alone—but it’s totally possible.

1. Be Open to New Connections

Friendship doesn’t always start with a deep conversation. Sometimes, it begins with small talk at the gym, a shared interest at a book club, or just consistently seeing the same person at work. The key is being open—friendship opportunities are everywhere if you’re willing to engage.

2. Say Yes More Often

Invited to a coworker’s party? A friend’s game night? A workout class? Say yes! Even if you don’t know many people there, stepping outside your comfort zone is the best way to meet new friends. The more you put yourself out there, the more chances you have to form connections.

3. Follow Up

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not following up after meeting someone they click with. If you had a great conversation with someone, send a text, suggest grabbing coffee, or make plans to meet up again. Friendships don’t happen overnight—they need consistent effort.

4. Join Communities

The best way to meet like-minded people is to put yourself in spaces where they already are. Try:

Volunteering
Joining a sports league
Attending local events
Taking a class (art, music, fitness, etc.)

Being part of a community makes forming friendships feel natural instead of forced.

5. Don’t Overthink It

Making friends as an adult can feel awkward, but the truth is, most people are open to new friendships—they just don’t know how to start. If you meet someone cool, don’t be afraid to take that first step. Worst case? They’re not interested, and you move on. Best case? You’ve gained a great new friend.