Let’s be honest—making friends as an adult can feel like trying to find the Wi-Fi password at a stranger’s house. Awkward, uncomfortable, and just a little embarrassing to ask for help. Yet here we are, in the thick of adulthood, juggling work, responsibilities, and somehow still whispering to ourselves, “I need friends.”
But guess what? You’re far from alone. Whether you’re new in town, coming out of a life change, or simply realizing that your social circle has shrunk to your cat and your coffee barista—you’re not the only one Googling how to make friends as an adult.
This guide is for you. It’s long, it’s detailed, and it’s full of stories, examples, and genuine advice on making new friends as an adult. Let’s crack the code to adultfriends and find real ways to bring companionship, laughter, and meaningful connection back into your daily life.
Why Is Making Friends as an Adult So Hard?
As kids, friendships happened naturally. One minute you’re coloring the same dinosaur in kindergarten, the next you’re inseparable.
Fast forward to adulthood, and it’s a whole different ball game. We’re scattered across cities, swamped with work, drained by errands, and hesitant to make the first move.
Let’s break down a few truths about making friends in adulthood:
- No one teaches us how to make friends as a young adult. We’re taught to network for jobs but rarely for joy.
- Schedules don’t sync. Between different working hours, family responsibilities, and social fatigue, it’s hard to align calendars.
- We fear rejection. Putting yourself out there as an adult feels way more vulnerable than in school.
Still, just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible. The key lies in being intentional, consistent, and open-hearted.
Step One: Start With the Why
Before diving into ways to meet new people, pause and reflect: Why do I want to make new friends as an adult?
Maybe you’re:
- Craving deep, soul-nourishing conversations
- New in town and feeling isolated
- Wanting someone to try new cafes, concerts, or Sunday markets with
- Longing for emotional support outside of family
Understanding your why will help you recognize the right people when you meet them. It will also keep you motivated when the process feels slow.
Step Two: Rethink What Friendship Looks Like
We often assume that adultfriends need to look like our childhood BFFs. But the truth is, making friends in adulthood means embracing variety.
You might have:
- A friend you go on hikes with
- One you only chat with about books
- A coworker who becomes your go-to for memes and Monday venting
That’s all valid. The goal isn’t to replicate past friendships but to build new ones that suit your current lifestyle.
Where to Make Friends as an Adult: 10 Real Places to Start
Looking for places where to make friends as an adult? Here’s a list of tried-and-tested locations and situations where friendships are hiding in plain sight:
1. Classes and Workshops
Whether it’s pottery, dance, improv, or coding—learning something new levels the playing field. Everyone is starting fresh, and small talk feels natural.
Story time: I joined a yoga class thinking I’d just improve my flexibility. Little did I know, the woman next to me would become my “get-brunch-and-talk-about-life” friend within a month.
2. Coworking Spaces
If you’re remote or freelancing, coworking spaces are goldmines for meeting other professionals. Strike up a convo over the coffee machine—it might lead to more than just a productivity chat.
3. Volunteering
Helping others builds connection quickly. Whether you’re walking rescue dogs or sorting donations, making friends as an adult becomes easier when you share a purpose.
4. Apps for Adult Friendships
There’s Bumble BFF, Meetup, and even Reddit groups dedicated to how to meet friends as an adult. You can meet people online, but filter for real intentions.
Pro Tip: Don’t be shy about making the first move. A simple, “Hey, your profile seems fun—want to grab a coffee sometime?” can go a long way.
5. Your Workplace
Yes, the people you see every day could be more than Slack buddies. Start with lunch invites or happy hours. You never know who might turn from coworker fan to friend as an adult.
6. Local Events and Community Boards
Farmer’s markets, trivia nights, author talks—these events attract people who already share some of your interests. That’s a perfect environment for making friends as adults.
7. Gyms and Fitness Classes
Consistent class timing = familiar faces. Eventually, you’ll get past the “just nodding” phase into friendly chats.
8. Your Kids’ Schools (if applicable)
If you’re a parent, school events and playdates are amazing ways to connect with other parents. You’re in the same stage of life—lean into that!
9. Religious or Spiritual Groups
Churches, temples, meditation groups, or spiritual circles often host regular community events where adults making friends is part of the culture.
10. Hobby-Based Clubs
Think book clubs, gaming groups, gardening circles, or running crews. Find something you enjoy, and friendships will follow.
How to Make New Friends as an Adult (Without Feeling Weird)
Alright, you’ve found places where to make friends as an adult—now what?
Let’s tackle the how.
1. Be the First to Say Hello
Yes, it’s nerve-wracking. But sometimes, “Hi, I’m [Name], mind if I join you?” is all it takes.
2. Follow Up
Had a great convo with someone? Message them! Suggest another hangout. One-off chats only become friendships when there’s follow-through.
3. Be Consistent
Real relationships require time. If you want to turn a gym buddy into a real friend, keep showing up and nurturing the connection.
4. Stay Open to Different Types of People
Sometimes your next best friend won’t look or live like you. Stay curious, not judgmental.
How to Find Friends as an Adult: Practical Tips
Still thinking, “How do I make friends as an adult?” Try these approaches:
- Say yes to more invites—even if it’s outside your comfort zone.
- Host a small gathering or game night and ask friends to bring someone new.
- Use social media to find local interest-based groups.
- Join online forums, but aim for offline meetups soon.
- Start a new routine (like going to the same café every Saturday)—you’ll start recognizing faces.
Remember: Finding friends as an adult is about quality over quantity. Even one meaningful connection can shift your entire social life.
Making Friends as a Young Adult? Here’s a Special Note for You
Young adulthood is this weird space where you’ve outgrown school but haven’t quite settled into a stable social groove. If you’re wondering how to make friends as a young adult, here’s the key:
- Embrace the flux.
- Stay curious.
- Know that most people your age are also searching for friends.
So ask someone to grab coffee, take that risk to say “we should hang out sometime,” and be the one who initiates plans. It’ll pay off.
“Ways for young adults to meet other young adults” isn’t a secret—it’s just about showing up repeatedly, being kind, and staying authentic.
“I Need Friends”—But Also Boundaries
It’s okay to feel lonely. Saying “I need friends” is not weakness—it’s human. But remember:
- Don’t force it.
- Don’t chase people who are emotionally unavailable.
- Be the kind of friend you want to have.
Making friends adulthood-style means understanding that not every connection needs to be lifelong. Some friends are for seasons, and that’s perfectly fine.
Bonus Section: Practical Tools to Help You Make Friends as an Adult
We’ve already covered the mindset, locations, and techniques—but sometimes, you need tangible tools and exercises to get things moving. So here are a few extras from Riya’s Blogs to help you take action today.
📌 Printable Checklist: “Your First 30 Days of Making New Friends”
Week 1: Getting in the Right Mindset
- Write down why you want to make new friends as an adult
- Make a list of interests or hobbies you’d like to explore
- Choose 1 new place or activity to try this week
- Practice small talk with a stranger (barista, neighbor, etc.)
Week 2: Putting Yourself Out There
- Join one club/class or attend a community event
- Create a Bumble BFF/Meetup profile
- Say “yes” to one invitation, even if it feels out of your comfort zone
- Follow up with someone you had a nice convo with
Week 3: Nurturing Connections
- Invite someone for coffee or a walk
- Start a text or message thread with a potential friend
- Attend a social gathering and make an effort to talk to 3 people
- Reflect on what kind of people you’re connecting with the most
Week 4: Building Consistency
- Reconnect with one friend you’ve lost touch with
- Schedule a recurring plan (e.g., workout partner, book club)
- Host something casual at home (game night, tea evening, movie marathon)
- Celebrate your progress—seriously, you’re doing something amazing!
✍️ Journal Prompts to Deepen the Process
Sometimes, the challenge isn’t how to make friends, but why we’re afraid to. These prompts can help you explore what’s holding you back—and how to move forward:
- What does friendship mean to me right now?
- When was the last time I felt truly connected to someone? What made that moment special?
- What fears do I have around meeting new people?
- What kind of friend do I want to be?
- What are three things I love talking about—and where can I find people who share those interests?
Try writing your answers without judgment. The more honest you are with yourself, the easier it becomes to find people who truly match your vibe.
💬 Real-Life Stories: You’re Not Alone in This
Still thinking, “How do I make friends as an adult?” Here are some true stories that show you it’s never too late:
Maya, 34, moved to a new city alone:
“The loneliness was real at first. I joined a pottery class because I loved the idea of creating with my hands—and I ended up meeting two people I now consider my closest friends. We meet every Sunday for coffee and laughs. It didn’t happen overnight, but it happened.”
Ethan, 28, recovering from a breakup:
“I realized I had poured everything into my relationship and neglected my friendships. After the breakup, I felt so lost. I started attending trivia nights at a local bar just to be around people. That slowly turned into me joining their regular team, and now we’re a tight group.”
Priya, 30, introverted remote worker:
“I hated networking events, but I joined an online book club. That’s where I met Lila—now we chat every day, even though we live across the country. Sometimes, you meet people online and they still feel closer than the folks next door.”
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Friends in Adulthood
Let’s face it, even with all this advice, we’re human—we mess up, get nervous, and sometimes push people away without meaning to. Here are a few things to watch out for when learning how to make new friends as an adult:
- Trying too hard or coming on too strong: Friendship takes time. Let it breathe.
- Only talking about yourself: Ask questions, listen actively, and show curiosity.
- Being inconsistent: Friendships are built through repeated effort, not one-off conversations.
- Taking rejection personally: Not every connection will stick—and that’s okay.
- Waiting for others to initiate: If you want a friend, be a friend. Send the message. Make the plan.
🤝 How to Be a Good Friend as an Adult
Making friends as adults is only the first step. Keeping those friendships strong takes ongoing care. Here’s how you can be a truly great friend in your adult years:
- Respect people’s time and boundaries
- Check in regularly, even if it’s just a “thinking of you” text
- Be vulnerable—don’t just talk about work or weather
- Show up when it matters (birthdays, breakups, big wins, bad days)
- Celebrate your friends’ uniqueness and growth
Adult friendships might not always look like sleepovers or all-day hangouts. Sometimes, it’s voice notes, late-night memes, or coffee before work. And sometimes, that’s even better.
Final Words: You’re Not Too Late, Too Shy, or Too Different
If you’re still asking, “How do I make friends as an adult?” let me remind you—there’s no deadline on connection. No one’s keeping score on how many friends you had at 25, 30, or 45.
Whether you’re starting over, starting small, or just starting late—you’re doing the brave thing. You’re choosing to connect. You’re choosing to care.
From all of us here at Riya’s Blogs, know this: there’s someone out there hoping to meet someone just like you. So don’t give up. Your next great friendship could be one “Hey, I like your vibe!” away.
Want to read a bit more? Find some more of my writings here-
How to Find the Perfect Hobby as an Adult: A Fun, Empowering Guide for Women of All Ages
Discovering a Haunted House: A Short Horror Story
How to Manifest Someone into Your Life (Even If You’re Not in Contact Right Now)
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