Making friends as an adult

The more we grow up, the harder it seems to get to know new people, and even more difficult is to make new friends. Somewhere along trudging through school to college to work, most have lost the concept of making new friends. That is partly because it seems more like a chore now than ever before, and partly because some are just afraid of opening up to new people in an already tough and scary world. While being friends with your mates from school is great, it is also great to find likeminded people in your new circles, be it a new work place, town or country.

GO OUT MORE

Social events can seem just like work, but instead of dodging all of them, pull yourself up, and head out the door. Not only will this expose you to a whole bunch of people, some of whom could possibly be a new friend for you, it could introduce you to someone similar in being just as lost at befriending people.

TRAVEL WITH A COLLEAGUE

Change up your travelling plans by inviting someone from work you want to get to know better instead of the same friend from high school. Travelling is a great way to really get to know people and a better way to interact and have each other's back. You will be good friends, if not best friends after your trip, and that's a guarantee.

VISIT YOUR NEIGHBOURS

Times today are such that we do not even know if we have neighbours anymore. It will not only be a nice gesture to go over with some food, but by the time they return the favour, you guys will most likely become friends as well.

DO VOLUNTEER WORK

When you work contributing your skills doing something you love, you are more likely to come across more people with similar interests, and when you do, it will become easier to befriend someone. Working together for a cause with a group of people is the easiest way to get to know new people.

THROW PARTIES OR GO TO ONE

Invite all you close friends, and not-so-close friends, aka acquaintances, so you can all get to know each other better, and maybe hang out in the future as well. Going to parties has the same effect where you keep meeting these people outside of work, eventually becoming more than just acquaintances.

VISIT A LIBRARY

Visit your local library, and go to the section you love most. Because there, you will find people with similar book interests and possible new friends. Make conversation about your similar book interests, join each other for more discussions and eventually, find yourself making a new friend. 

Making friends can seem less of a chore if you enjoy the process, and having good company around you can make the world seem a bit brighter, so best get off of our couches, get active and find ourselves some friends.