There are many reasons why people find it difficult to make friends as an adult. Whether it is hard for you to open up and trust new people or your busy schedule keeps you from having an active social life, you aren’t alone. However, having meaningful friendships in your life is essential because friends provide emotional support, a sense of belonging, and fun memories. Whether you just moved to a new city, recently graduated from college, moved back home from another city or state or are simply looking to expand your circle, continue reading to learn how to make new friends as an adult and build friendships that last.
Be Bold
You aren’t the only person out there who wants to make a meaningful connection. Meeting new people takes courage, and you have to be willing to put forth the effort to do what it takes to connect. Be bold and put yourself out there. It may be uncomfortable at first, especially if you tend to be shy or reserved, but it is an essential part of developing meaningful relationships that last. Just remember, you aren’t the only person who wants to meet new people. Other’s are simply waiting for someone like you to make the first friendship move.
Be Intentional
Next time you are at a coffee shop by yourself on Saturday morning, be intentional about saying hello and striking up a conversation with at least one person. It could be about the book they’re reading, the coffee they’re drinking, or the outfit they’re wearing. Make a point to be deliberate about striking up a conversation that may lead to a friendship.
Be Yourself
Authenticity is an essential part of making and keeping meaningful friendships. The more you know and act like your true self, the more likely you are to find new friends that just “click.” Think of an activity you love or a hobby you enjoy. Whether hiking, painting, yoga or wine tasting, research to find groups or organizations in your area where you can do these things with other people. Sites like Meetup and Facebook Groups are great places to start searching for like-minded people who can turn into forever friends.
Be Creative
Nowadays, there are so many unique ways to make friends. While you definitely can strike up a conversation with someone next time you’re out and about, you can also use technology to your advantage. Dating apps like Bumble have a feature where you can swipe left and right to find your new best friend. Bumble BFF may be unconventional, but it is a way to connect with people you might not otherwise pass on the street.
Be Persistent
Learning how to make new friends is one thing, but keeping meaningful relationships is something entirely different. It takes persistence and consistency to turn surface-level friendships into deep, meaningful, long-lasting relationships. People are busy with their family, career, social life, and various other responsibilities and obligations. Make the call, send the text, keep the plans to go to dinner or the movies together, even when you have had a long day and prefer to stay home and stream a show. Like all good relationships, friendship takes work. The payoff is having someone you can call a true friend.
For more information, check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like How to Maintain Strong Friendships During COVID-19. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
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