Friends are persons one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection. Children make friends more quickly because they have a minimal idea about what makes a friend. However, making friends as an adult is a daunting idea.

A recent survey has determined you might not have a lot of close relationships in your life. The number of people who claim to have more than three solid friendships in their lives is only 37% or one-third of the population. Even more discouraging is the idea that fully 27% of adults say they have no close relationships.

Adults are always busy and have a lot of work. We get caught up on our responsibilities and business goals. We frequently don’t make time for a social life outside of loose connections with our children’s friends’ parents and professional networking. Who has the time?

Thankfully, you do. It takes less time than you think to discover the joy of adult friendships. You can start with these simple tips:

6 Tips for Making Friends as an Adult

Reconnect and Rekindle

In this age of social media, it is easier than ever to reconnect with old friends. With a few clicks, you can track down anyone from your past. So why not take advantage of this technology and reach out to someone you used to be close to? Reconnect and rekindle an old friendship.

Think about who your friends used to be. Is there someone you have lost touch with that you would like to reconnect with? Send them a quick message or text and see how they are doing. You may be surprised at how willing they are to pick up where you left off. Friendships are meaningful, so don’t be afraid to reach out and try to reconnect with someone from your past.

Speak Less, Listen More

Whenever you’re in a group of new people, it can be tempting to try to be the life of the party. However, it’s often more practical to take a step back and focus on listening. Actively listening to others makes you more attractive to those around you since everyone loves a good listener.

Additionally, it puts you in the position of discovering shared interests. This is a simple way to learn about things that intrigue you most about others so that you can strike up a friendship. So next time you’re in a group of new people, resist the urge to be the center of attention and instead take some time to listen and learn. You might be surprised at what you discover.

Turn an Acquaintance into a Friend

Making friends can be challenging. It’s hard to put yourself out there, especially if you’re shy or introverted. But the great thing about acquaintances is that they provide a low-pressure way to dip your toe into the friendship pool. If you find yourself in a situation where you have a lot of acquaintances but no true friends, don’t worry! There are ways to take your relationships to the next level.

One way is to be vulnerable with your acquaintance. Share something personal with them or confide in them about your problem. This will help to forge intimacy and deepen the friendship.

Another way to take your relationship to the next level is to do something outside your comfort zone together. This could be anything from going to a new restaurant to taking an art class together. Challenging yourself together will help you bond and potentially turn your acquaintance into a true friend.

So next time you find yourself wondering how to turn an acquaintance into a friend, remember these tips and give them a try!

Stay Connected

Keeping friends doesn’t have to be complicated. If you want to prevent people from becoming distant, make a point to check in with your friends once in a while. This shows the other person that they’re important to you and worth your time. A general rule of thumb is to connect every two weeks. 

First, make an effort to check in with them every so often. A quick text or call can go a long way in letting them know they’re still vital to you. Secondly, try to set up regular get-togethers, even if it’s just for coffee or lunch. This gives you a chance to catch up and connect with each other.

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out if you need help or support. Having someone to help you have fun and get your mind off of the things that stress you can also be helpful. Letting your friends know they can count on you is a great way to maintain strong relationships.

Make a Group

There’s nothing more fun than hanging out with friends, and one of the best ways to do that is to create a group of friends. Whether you’re looking for people to go on lunch dates with or grab drinks after work, gathering friends together in one place is the way to go. Not only will you enjoy each other’s company, but you’ll also be able to make new friends and keep old ones close. Starting a group of friends is simple – just reach out to your friends and see who’s interested. Then, start planning some fun activities everyone can enjoy. Creativity is the key to organizing friends, so get creative and have fun! You’ll be glad you did!

So, don’t be shy! Go out and explore what adult friendships have to offer. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to building lasting friendships that enrich your life in many ways. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start meeting people! Which of these tips do you find most helpful? We’d love to hear from you!