(Image Credit: Bungalow)
Making friends can be daunting on its own, but throw adulting into the mix, and suddenly it feels like you’ve lost touch with everyone you know. But hey, you’re not alone in feeling this way! So let’s break down some ways to make friends as an adult because let’s face it, maintaining even a small semblance of happiness in your life can be a challenge (especially if being an adult hasn’t sucked all the joy out of you already)... Am I projecting? No.
#1 Embrace Your Quirks And Interests
This may seem extremely cliche but being yourself is the ultimate friend catcher! Embrace your quirks, passions and weird hobbies. Whether it be reenacting Harry Potter scenes, randomly switching to royal British accents or knitting sweaters for your cats, the most important thing is to own it! Join online clubs or groups where you can meet people who share the same interests and traits, you just might find your people there.
#2 No Netflix And Chill
Leave Netflix alone!! I get the temptation to binge-watch your favourite series in your pyjamas but you have to be strong. Especially if you want to expand your friend circle you gotta step out of your comfort zone...and pajamas. This means saying yes to invites, even if it’s an invite to your 80-year-old neighbour’s birthday! Friendships know no bounds after all. Office parties, art exhibitions or even the community barbecue, you never know where you could meet your future bestie.
#3 The Art Of Listening
Remember that get-together you agreed to attend? And the courage you mustered up to approach and talk to people? Good job on all that but what’s cooler than talking about yourself... listening to other people. Not just heating them but paying attention. Nodding, asking follow-up questions and making eye contact are all signs that you’re listening and being a good listener is friendship gold.
#4 Socialise, Socialise, SOCIALISE
Building on the previous point, putting yourself out there is certainly not easy but it is so rewarding. So be a butterfly, smile, make eye contact and spread positivity wherever you go! Be that person who initiates conversations in line at the store or cafe, the person who compliments a stranger's make-up or style. A positive attitude and approachability are your best friends!
#5 Quality Over Quantity...Always
Being in the age of social media it's pretty easy to be caught up on material things and impersonal connections. It doesn’t matter how many followers and likes you have – you’re not collecting Pokémon here. Focus on building genuine deep connections with quality people who understand you. Invest in your time and effort in friendships that make you happy.
#6 The Art Of Keeping Your Friends
Life gets busy, we all get it and go through it. But that doesn’t mean you let your existing friends fade into the background. You can always make new friends but if you can’t keep them then what’s the point? Even a simple DM to check up on each other works wonders. Make time for weekly or even monthly catch-ups. Meet up for lunch or even a Zoom hangout to keep the flames alive.
#7 Patience Is A Virtue
You’re not making friends just for a couple of days, it’s not a one-and-done deal. Building meaningful genuine friendships takes time and effort. That’s not to say that some friendships won’t take the fast track and be established within a month, while others may take longer to be “official”. Trust that the Ron to your Harry is out there somewhere, just give it some time and embrace all the awkward, embarrassing moments.
There you have it! The ultimate guide to making friends as an adult...with a side of sass :). Adulting may be hard, lonely and nauseating at times (or all the time if you’re me). Having a solid support network of family and friends can transform the journey into quite an enjoyable adventure.
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