“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.”
– Anaïs Nin
“For better health, tending to your friendships is as important as getting to bed early or eating well,” explains an article in The Washington Post.
There’s no denying that having active friendships impacts not only our longevity, but our quality of life as well.
And yet, making friends as an adult is sometimes difficult.
When you’re young, your vicinity makes friends. You connect with those at your school or in your sports because you see them every day. Later in life many people make friends with their colleagues.
But with the advent of remote work, it’s easy to feel like you’re alone on an island without any significant or meaningful friend group.
So here are some ideas to build connections…
Join a Group or Club: Whether you’re interested in book clubs, hiking groups, cooking classes, or volunteer organizations, there are likely groups in your local area or online that share your interests. Participating in these groups can be a great way to meet new people and form friendships based around shared passions.
Take Up a Hobby or Sport: Sports teams or hobby groups (like photography or painting) can be excellent ways to meet new people. Engaging in a shared activity provides a natural conversation starter and allows for connections to develop organically over time.
Attend Networking Events: Although networking events are typically associated with career advancement, they can also be a great place to make new friends. You’ll meet people who are also looking to make connections, and these shared intentions can help foster new friendships.
Reconnect with Old Friends: If you’ve lost touch with people over the years, consider reaching out and rekindling those relationships. Social media makes it easier than ever to reconnect with old friends, even if they live far away.
Participate in Community Service: Volunteering for a cause you care about can introduce you to like-minded individuals. Plus, the shared experience of giving back to your community can create strong bonds.
Attend Classes or Workshops: From cooking to coding to yoga, there are countless classes and workshops that can help you learn something new while also meeting new people.
Be Open to New Experiences: Sometimes, making new friends can be as simple as being open to new experiences. Say “yes” more often to invitations and opportunities, and you might be surprised by the people you meet.