Telegram is different from. Signal A Comprehensive Guide Makes It Easy to choose (2025) |
If you're trying to meet friends, you're not the only one. Study after study has proven that we are suffering through what's been described as"a "loneliness epidemic ":
- Gallup reports it that one in 4 adults is lonely. .
- Between 1990 and 2021 between 1990 and 2021, the percent of adults who say they have a "best friend" decreased from 75% to 59 percent.
- The people between the ages of 19 to 29 experience the most levels of loneliness (27% of them are "Very very lonely"). This decreases as they get older.
Sometimes, our struggle to meet new people is blamed on our online lives. And sure, the internet has transformed the way people interact, and even ended some of the old methods to make friends (like in the mall). Technology is also creating ways for us to meet new people! This is why we'll be focusing on some of the latest and some of the traditional here.
In this article, we'll talk about the steps to making friends. This article will provide easy, researched-based strategies to:
- People to make friends with.
- Connections that form.
- And forming better, deeper friendships.
It's not hard! By following these steps, you could have a new friend by this time next week!
Hungery for the community
In his famous publication "Bowling All by Oneself", Robert Putnam described what he described as the demise of American social capital. For Putnam the demise of bowling lanes was a warning sign. Since a large portion of us become isolated from our groups, we become more lonely. This makes it more difficult to connect with friends.
If you're hoping to meet new people, there are two big approaches to consider.
Offline community
Although we live in a digital world it's not impossible to find plenty of opportunities to make friends IRL. These include some old-school ways we'll talk about below, like community volunteering or meeting your neighbors.
But there's a new wave of intentional offline communities forming too!
We love the viral clips of new cafes opening up in places in which phones aren't allowed. People gather to play games on a board, knit, and chat. This photo is of an event held in London.
It's true that people are looking to make connections. We know it. We are aware that our online lives can leave us uninvolved with what is the core of the human interaction we desire to the point of exhaustion. It is possible to be intentional regarding how we construct this connection.
and online community
But online community can be effective too. One of the many benefits of online community is that they can be excellent places to meet new people!
When so many people are being pushed into echo chambers and doom scrolling by algorithmic algorithms on social media, it's easy to get cynical about the state of online community. When we have numerous studies that show that social media is harmful, it gets simple to put the blame of loneliness on the platform.
However, technology isn't the only enemy of making acquaintances. In fact, more than half of our friendships begin with online communication. That is especially true for dating, where the rise of meeting online has skyrocketed.
This is also true for friendships as well!
You can form incredible relationships over the internet. Genuine, long-lasting, authentic friendships. Friendships that are online as well as friendships that extend into real life.
Yes, technology has challenged some of the methods we use to make acquaintances. But it's opened up the possibility of connecting with strangers IRL and around the world on the internet.
How to get acquaintances
Where to make friends as an adult.
1. Discover Events
A small or medium-sized city can have events most weekends. In a big city, there's ALWAYS stuff happening.
Here are a few sources for finding what's happening.
- Meetup: A website designed to help people locate local events. There's a lot of formal gatherings, but also lots of individuals looking to meet for things like "Ugly sweater" gatherings or "board game nights ."
- Eventbrite: A different option offering a wide range of local occasions.
- Google Search: If you Google "conferences" or "events that are happening in my area," you'll find that any city has tons of stuff happening on the average weekend. Choose something you are interested in and get out! Have a go.
2. Join stuff
If you're not currently involved with extracurriculars, it's one of the most efficient ways to make acquaintances. Be it a football pickup sport, mountain bike, or even scrapbooking, getting involved in activities will put you in contact with individuals you might not otherwise meet. Choose a local group to join, and dive in.
*Tip: Remember, it isn't easy to get into new groups where it feels that everyone is familiar with each other or is more knowledgeable on the topic than you. There is a normal feeling of an ounce of imposter's syndrome initially. Remember that every "insider" was once an "outsider." Don't stop! *
3. Begin by meeting your neighbors
The people around you may or might not be your best of people to be friends with. However, you must at the very least determine that. Block parties, for example, or gatherings for the community can be a way to meet the people around you. Contact your neighbors when you get a chance. You never know what can result.
4. Help others
It could be volunteering in a local nursing facility or baking muffins for a neighbor or a neighbor, taking time to look out for the needs of others shifts your focus away from yourself and helps to form new friendships. It also makes people feel valued and cared for, and does a lot in reducing loneliness even if it doesn't lead to friendships that last a lifetime.
5. Volunteer
Volunteering for stuff in the community you live in is a great way to make new friends. Participating in an organization you are passionate about can be the ideal place to meet like-minded people that share the same principles and beliefs. Below are some options to start:
- Find a cause you feel passionate about. A majority of nonprofits and citizens action groups are always in search of volunteers. This could be as simple to send an email or phone call to see if there are opportunities for volunteers.
- Join your children's' activities: If you are an adult, you know that there is almost all the time a need of volunteers for things like school trips, the PTA and local sports. Although it's not a huge commitment, signing up for the activities you're interested in can bring you closer to other parents as well! Many parents form friends this way.
6. Be part of an online social network
Online communities have made it possible to connect to people all over the globe, even over the most insignificant interests.
It can be difficult to find people within your town that share the same passion as you do about Norwegian death metal, or flowering It's not difficult to find them to find them online. That's why these online communities are so engaging and encouraging-you'll find those who have the same interests with!
Communities on the internet are usually the answer to the question "Why don't I meet other people who care about similar things as I do?"
If you did a quick survey of the staff here at Mighty we'd discover that many of us are in online communities! While we don't operate the platform, but we're aware of how great it is to make connections over a shared desire or even a journey.
If you're trying to join an online community, you can check out our database for the opportunity to join!
7. Create a community
If you're unable to locate a group for you to join, start your own community! It's not hard to start an online community, and bring individuals together on a topic you care about.
Whether it's a paid community, such as a Mighty Network that earns you money or is a no-cost community that is always in need of additional places to join online.
8. Work harder at your job
Work is a place to make friends. It doesn't mean all workplaces should be "a family,"" however, statistics show that at least 76% of workers have a friend who is close to them at work.
If you're not one of the above, then look at opportunities to establish connections. In a big workplace it is possible to make friends from other teams or sections of the business.
- Get involved in committees that will give you exposure to other parts of your workplace.
- Attend workplace events like discussions, events and more., with an open mind. Don't be shy to talk to people!
- Find opportunities to work on projects that expand the number of people with whom that you get to know.
- It's not enough to talk about work. While professionalism is definitely a necessity to be able to work with but it doesn't indicate that we should not speak about our lives.
- "Network" at work. The idea of asking a coworker for a coffee or a meal can be good for your career, but in certain situations, it can bring friendships along!
9. Say "Yes" more frequently
When you get invitations make sure you say "Yes" frequently! If you're a one who refuses all invitations from social gatherings, make this the year that you take them. What's the likelihood of that happening!
10. Try an application
apps have transformed the way we interact with each other through the use of "swipe left" and "swipe right." But they've also altered the way we connect with friends.
This includes a few apps that are specifically designed to aid people in finding their new friends. If you've never tried one or more of these, then one of them may be a great place to start.
- Bumble has launched with a brand new focus-"Bumble for Friends."
- Hi Vina! - "Tinder for (Girl) Friends":
- NextDoor An application to help you with everything local, which includes making new acquaintances!
11. Get religion
There was a time in the past when the majority of friendships formed around religious or ethnic communal hubs like churches, mosques and synagogues. If that is aspect of your life, maybe it's time to reconnect with a place of community similar to this. They usually help you connect.
Quick tricks for making new friends
- Ask questions: Don't be all about yourself. People love to talk about themselves. It is important to be sure to inquire and get to know people better when you interact with them.
- Learn active listening by nodding and asking follow-up questions make people feel more heard.
- Create conversations using simple questions: It's not too scary to ask questions such as "Where do you do your work?" or "Where are you located?"
- Be real: True friendships aren't based on conversational exchanges. Real friendships demand vulnerability, sharing your hopes, thoughts and aspirations.
- Get past the awkwardness The first time you meet someone can be awkward, for you and for those around you. Be prepared! It's even possible to name the issue (e.g. using the phrase "Well it's awkward," with a laugh ).
- Face rejection head on If you ask someone for coffee or a number might cause the rejection. Then it hurts for a moment. In the perspective there's no need to worry about it. If one connection isn't working try again. attempt again!
- Create a strategy : It's easy and non-commital to say "we ought to meet up sometime." However, if you would like to establish relationships then try saying things such as "Want to have coffee with me this week at X place?"
- Follow up: Just like a job interview Follow up with the new friendships you make! When you have met an individual, you could message them to say "It was a joy meeting you! I'm looking forward to grabbing a cup of coffee ."
- Follow through: If you say you'll text, call or show up, do it! Be true to your word and prove you're reliable.
- Build groups: Some instances can be awkward in a 1:1 ratio. So why not make it a group? Bring other members into your conversation. Instead of trying to hang in a one-on-one relationship with someone Try organising group events. As an example, you could invite groups of friends to have a coffee or do an activity. It's a great idea to make it a gathering. can ease the burden on the individual, making it easier to say yes.
- Connect online: By exchanging the profiles of social networks (e.g. LinkedIn or Insta) to stay contact with them and learn more about them.
- Don't be afraid to move on: It sounds rough, but it's actually true. It's not always the case that a friendship can work. Recognize if a friendship isn't working and get over it. There are plenty of amazing individuals in this world. You may haven't even made the acquaintance of your greatest friends.
- Keep in mind that people around you are lonely too If you're isolated, you're not the only one. The statistics on loneliness above. Many people are also feeling lonely. By making a new friend, you just might be helping someone else feel lonely!
How to build better friendships (5 fundamental things)
Understand your self
We all bring our own characteristics to our friendships. If you struggle to make friends, it's worth examining your personality and your relationships with other people are like.
For example,
- If you've suffered from bullying in your childhood, it can be harder to be able to trust your adult friends. Studies have shown that those who were bullied carry scars into adulthood, and have higher rates of social anxiety, and have a lower likelihood of trusting relationships.
- If you have had a damaged attachment models from the family of origin It can be difficult to make adult-like friendships. For example, people with an anxiously-focused attachment may fear being abandoned or are constantly seeking comfort. The people who avoid each other may have difficulty with intimacy and maintain an emotional distance. (You are able to learn more about attachment theory here).
- Past betrayals by friends can make it harder to establish new relationships. If you're worried about getting wounded again, it may be difficult to trust someone.
The psychological scars caused by past relationships could make it harder to form new bonds of friendship. If you have access to mental health support (e.g. a therapist) It can be good to have a discussion about these issues.
Dealing with this baggage could help you build new and stronger friendships.
Be aware of who you are and why you need
In the process of forming new friendships, it's really important to recognize the person you are and what you need.
- Are you extroverted or introverted? If you feel energized by club nights or parties, you should find a person who is energized by sitting at home every single Friday could not be the ideal match.
- What are your rules of engagement and what are your deal-breakers? Anyone who struggles with boundaries may develop unhealthy relationships.
The art of forming friendships really starts with knowing the things you really want from friendships. Not every person wants the same thing.
You are loved by yourself
This might sound a bit woo woo, but self esteem is an important element in forming relationships. If you struggle to love yourself, it can be difficult to form friendships, or not believe that you can make friendships.
Try to appreciate the great aspects of YOU. Many people discover positive affirmations to help to achieve this. You can also keep keeping a gratitude journal. As you grow your ability to love yourself, you'll find your ability to be able to embrace love increases.
Don't be something you're not
In a follow-up to love yourself, just be yourself! Some people try to make friends by shape-shifting into another person or pretending to be someone they aren't.
It's tiring! It's not the best opportunity to build new long-term friendships.
It's crucial to remain open to new ideas and experiences that surprise your, it's also crucial to acknowledge who you really are. Trust that you'll meet people who appreciate you for who you are.
Locate the correct people (you don't have to be everywhere)
Let's look at a relationship analogy to sales. An effective sales person doesn't trying to convince every person they meet to buy their product. An effective salesperson attempts to sort through the plethora of individuals they encounter to identify only the most suitable buyers. Instead of convincing everyone to buy, they try to identify the most suitable people to purchase.
It can be beneficial to consider friendships like this.
The average person knows about the average of more than 80,000 people during their life. There's no need for all 800 of them to be your friends. Also, you shouldn't invest a lot of energy trying to convince people that they should be your friends if they're not (or convincing yourself to like the people you don't like ).
There's plenty of people. Continue to look and meet the people.
Conclusion
These tips should get you prepared to make friends! Do not be scared to put yourself out there. You may feel uncomfortable however it's well worth it to meet someone great.
Don't forget that if you're looking for an online community you could join, try searching here! There are communities for almost every topic you could imagine.