How to Make New Friends as an Adult: Surefire Ways to Build Meaningful and Healthy Friendships

A good friend is a rare gem. As social beings, we all crave meaningful friendships and connections because of our innate need for companionship. But as life evolves, it’s not uncommon for friendships to fade, drift apart, or even turn toxic. The loss can leave us feeling isolated, especially when building new relationships seems harder than ever.

As adults, making new friends can feel awkward and uncertain. Unlike childhood, when a simple “Do you want to be my friend?” could spark a bond, the process now takes more thought and effort. It often requires stepping out of our comfort zones, being intentional, and finding ways to connect in a fast-paced world.

Social media, while convenient for expanding social circles, often presents its own challenges. It’s filled with carefully curated personas, which can be frustrating if you’re seeking genuine, authentic friendships.

So, how do you build meaningful connections as an adult?

In this article, we’ll explore practical, proven strategies for making friends and offer tips for nurturing these connections into lasting, healthy relationships.

Let’s get started.

6 Proven Strategies for Making New Friends as an Adult

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, making new friends as an adult can feel challenging. Life’s demands, changing priorities, and even social anxiety can make it hard to know where to start.

Yet research consistently shows that quality relationships are one of the most important factors in achieving long-term happiness and well-being.

The good news? Building meaningful connections doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

The following tips are designed to help you navigate this process, giving you practical ways to make new friends and develop healthy relationships that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.

1. Know the Right Places to Meet Potential Friends

Making new friends as an adult requires being deliberate and intentional, especially if you are shy or struggle with social anxiety (and yes, we know that’s easier said than done). If you’re ready to take the first step, here are a few suggestions to help you succeed:

Join a Local Club or Group

Local groups or social clubs are a great place to start meeting new people. These spaces bring together individuals with shared interests, and the regular meetups create opportunities to talk and build connections. Consider joining a book club, cooking group, biking or hiking club, or a religious organization.

Volunteer

Volunteering not only gives back to the community but also creates opportunities to meet like-minded people. Whether it’s at an animal shelter, hospital, museum, or charitable organization, volunteering can help you forge genuine connections while doing something meaningful.

Sign Up for a Class

Taking a class is one of the best ways for adults to pursue friendships while learning something new. Whether it’s painting, card games, dancing, or another hobby, you’ll naturally bond with others who share similar interests.

Choose a class that aligns with your hobbies, which can also help reduce stress and prevent burnout—an added bonus for your well-being!

Leverage Your Social Media Network

In today’s tech-driven world, making and maintaining friendships can start with the tap of a button. Your social media network, or platforms like Bumble BFF or Meetup, can connect you with others looking for friends, while online forums often bring people together over shared interests.

However, be cautious with online friendships. Scammers, predators, and malicious individuals can lurk behind screens. Avoid oversharing personal information, and when it’s time to meet in person, choose a public place for safety.

Explore Other Opportunities

Other great ways to meet people include participating in local events like races, music or food festivals, or art shows. Shopping at local businesses, joining a fan club for your favorite sports team, or simply jogging or walking your dog in a local park can also open doors to meeting potential friends.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Building new friendships often requires stepping out of your comfort zone, especially if you’re not used to small talk or being around new people. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but the effort can lead to fulfilling, lasting friendships.

The bottom line? Fishing in the right pond might just land you some amazing new friends.

2. Make the Most of Your Current Network of Friends

One of the easiest ways to make friends as an adult is by utilizing your old friends’ connections—it’s similar to the ‘mutual friends’ feature on social media. Your current friends likely have their own circles of friends, many of whom may share similar interests or values with you.

Joining an existing social circle can make the process of forming new friendships easier and more comfortable. These connections often feel more natural because you already have a trusted mutual friend acting as a bridge. Plus, there’s a higher chance of finding common ground, whether it’s shared hobbies, life experiences, or even a love of the same local hangouts.

Take advantage of opportunities to meet these mutual friends. The next time a close friend invites you out for coffee, dinner, or a group activity, accept the invitation—even if it feels a little outside your comfort zone. By putting yourself in these situations, you’re not only deepening your relationship with your existing friend but also opening the door to new friendships.

Don’t forget that rekindling connections with old acquaintances can also be a valuable way to expand your social network. Sometimes, reaching out to someone you’ve lost touch with can reignite a friendship and lead to introductions to others in their circle.

The key is to stay open and curious. You never know when a casual coffee date or a small gathering could lead to a lifelong friendship.

3. Build Friendships at Work

Workplaces can be one of the easiest places to make new friends as an adult. You already spend a significant amount of time with your colleagues, which provides a natural foundation for developing connections.

Here’s how to turn workplace relationships into meaningful friendships:

• Break the Ice: Take the initiative to engage in friendly small talk during breaks or at the coffee machine. Casual conversations about shared work experiences or interests can build rapport.
• Share Lunch Breaks: Inviting a colleague to lunch or joining team meals is a great way to connect outside formal work settings.
• Collaborate Beyond Work: Volunteer for team projects or office events. Working together on shared goals fosters a sense of camaraderie and trust.
• Attend Social Events: Office happy hours, holiday parties, or team outings offer relaxed environments to bond on a more personal level.
• Respect Boundaries: Keep in mind that not everyone may want to socialize outside work, and that’s okay. Let the friendship develop naturally and maintain professionalism during work hours.

Work friendships can add a lot of joy and support to your life while also making the workplace a more positive and collaborative environment. Over time, these relationships can spill over into your personal life, leading to deeper, more meaningful connections that extend beyond the office.

4. Turn Acquaintances Into Friends

Think about that coworker or neighbor you often exchange small talk with—there’s potential for a deeper connection waiting to be explored. The secret to turning an acquaintance into a friend is surprisingly simple: introduce a bit of vulnerability.

Start by sharing something small but personal about yourself that you wouldn’t typically mention in casual conversation. Then, observe their response. If they reciprocate by opening up about themselves, you’ve made progress. This mutual exchange of personal details helps establish trust and sets the foundation for a meaningful friendship.

Once you’ve had a few deeper conversations, take the next step. Invite them for coffee, lunch, or even a casual activity like walking in the park. Consistency is key—regular interactions can strengthen the connection and help your relationship transition from acquaintanceship to genuine friendship.

Remember, turning an acquaintance into a new friend takes time and effort, but the rewards of a meaningful friendship make it worthwhile.

5. Reconnect with Old Friends

Sometimes the best way to make new connections is to rekindle old ones. Life gets busy, and it’s natural to lose touch, but reaching out to past friends can be incredibly rewarding. Here’s how to rebuild those relationships:

• Reach Out Thoughtfully: Send a warm message to an old friend you’ve been thinking about. A simple text or call, such as “I was just remembering [a shared memory] and wanted to check in,” can be a great way to start.
• Acknowledge the Gap: Don’t ignore the time that’s passed—acknowledge it with humor or understanding. For example, “It’s been way too long—how have you been?”
• Suggest a Meet-Up: If they respond positively, invite them to catch up over coffee, lunch, or a casual activity you used to enjoy together.
• Be Patient: Rebuilding a friendship may take time, especially if circumstances have changed. Let the connection grow naturally without pressuring it to be exactly like it was before.
• Keep It Genuine: Focus on being authentic and present. Old friends may know you better than you think, and a genuine effort will go a long way in rekindling the bond.

Reconnecting with old friends not only brings back shared history but also provides a chance to create new memories and deepen your connection in a new phase of life. Balancing these rekindled bonds with new friendships can enrich your life, offering both the comfort of shared history and the excitement of fresh connections.

6. Turn Parenting Moments Into Friendship Opportunities

Ever noticed how effortlessly kids make friends? As a parent, you can take inspiration from your child’s natural ability to connect. In fact, many strong adult friendships often form between parents of kids who play or study together.

Conversations about your children are ideal conversation starters and icebreakers. Whether you’re swapping tips about bedtime routines or sharing funny school anecdotes, parenting provides plenty of relatable topics to get the conversation flowing. Take the opportunity to meet other parents at soccer games, parks, school PTA meetings, or birthday parties. These shared spaces naturally encourage connection.

Better yet, you can actively participate in your child’s activities by volunteering for school events or coaching their sports team. These opportunities not only let you contribute but also increase your chances of forming friendships with other parents who share similar values and interests.

The next time you notice a parent sitting alone on the sidelines at a game or school event, take the initiative. Scoot over, introduce yourself, and start a conversation. Chances are, they’re just as eager for adult connection as you are.

Parenting can naturally open doors to meaningful friendships, but it’s up to you to walk through them. By being approachable, engaging in conversations, and participating in shared activities, you can create connections that enrich both your life and your child’s.

Building new friendships as an adult may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and a little persistence, it’s entirely achievable. Start small—pick one strategy that resonates with you and take the first step today. Every meaningful connection begins with a single moment of courage and effort, and the rewards can last a lifetime.

Recommended: How to Beat Loneliness and Avoid Depression: 5 Ways to Relieve Loneliness

13 Practical Tips for Nurturing and Maintaining Healthy Friendships

So, you’ve made some new friends and are looking forward to a vibrant and fulfilling social life, right? That’s an exciting start, but finding friends is only part of the journey.

The reality is that cultivating a quality friendship takes time, effort, and commitment. It’s not just about making connections—it’s about maintaining and strengthening them over time.

It’s also important to be aware of unhealthy behaviors that can weaken or taint your friendships. To help you navigate this next phase, we’ve outlined the best tips for successfully developing and nurturing your new connections.

1. Be Present

In today’s fast-paced world, staying in touch with friends can feel like a challenge. But making time for your friends is essential—be intentional about scheduling meetups and spending time together. It’s these consistent efforts that build strong, lasting bonds.

2. Make It Extra Special

Create traditions that bring fun and meaning to your friendship. It could be as simple as sharing a favorite hobby, exchanging birthday cards, scheduling weekly phone chats, or planning an annual vacation. These small rituals can make your relationship feel unique and deeply valued.

3. Be a Good Listener

Show genuine interest in your friend’s thoughts and experiences. Stay undistracted during conversations and use positive body language, such as nodding and maintaining eye contact. This attentiveness demonstrates that you’re a true friend who values their perspective.

4. Show Kindness

Kindness is the cornerstone of any strong friendship. Be there for your friends during both good and challenging times. True friendships are built on support, stability, and loyalty. Treat your friends as you would want to be treated, and show compassion in the moments that matter most.

5. Understand that Friendships Evolve

Life is full of transitions, and your friendships will naturally evolve as well. Whether it’s starting a family, moving to a new city, or deciding to change jobs, learning to adapt to these changes ensures your friendship remains strong. Healthy friendships grow and adjust with life’s seasons.

6. Stay in Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any strong friendship. Open and honest dialogue allows you to express concerns, share your thoughts, and resolve conflicts in a healthy, constructive way. Even a few words of encouragement during a busy time can make a big difference.

7. Maintain Respect and Mutual Connection

Respect each other’s differing viewpoints and always remember the shared values and common interests that initially brought you together. A foundation of respect keeps the friendship strong, even when you don’t see eye-to-eye.

8. Show Appreciation

Expressing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to nurture a friendship. Compliment your friend, make time to meet regularly, or send a thoughtful gift. The key is to show appreciation in a way that resonates with them—whether it’s a kind word, a small act, or simply spending time together.

9. Be Honest and Genuine

Authenticity is the foundation of meaningful friendships. Be yourself and encourage your friends to do the same. True friends value honesty and are drawn to the real you, not a façade. This openness fosters trust and deepens your bond. Remember, kindness doesn’t always mean being nice—sometimes it’s about being truthful in a way that helps your friend grow. Offering constructive feedback with care and respect shows that you value the friendship and their well-being enough to be honest.

10. Be Forgiving

No friendship is perfect, and disagreements or mistakes will happen. Practicing forgiveness helps you move past conflicts and keeps the relationship strong. Likewise, don’t hesitate to apologize when you’re in the wrong—true friends value effort and accountability.

11. Set Healthy Boundaries

While friendship thrives on closeness, it’s important to set boundaries. Healthy friendships respect personal space, time, and limits. Being too nice and overextending yourself—whether by always saying yes or ignoring your own needs—can lead to feelings of resentment or burnout. Knowing when to step back or wait for the right moment helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps the friendship balanced and respectful.

12. Celebrate Their Wins

Be genuinely happy for your friends’ successes and achievements. Whether it’s a promotion, a personal milestone, or simply a good opportunity they’ve taken, your support shows that you’re invested in their happiness. Shared celebrations reinforce your connection.

13. Invest in Quality Over Quantity

It’s better to have a few meaningful friendships than to spread yourself too thin across many shallow ones. Focus your energy on cultivating deep, supportive relationships that enrich your life.

Making Good Friends as an Adult Is Worth the Effort

If you reach out to meet people and show genuine interest in building connections, chances are they will reciprocate. Even if they don’t, remember—it’s okay. Everyone is navigating their own stage in life, and some may not be seeking new friendships right now. What matters is that you put yourself out there and stay open to the possibilities.

For the friendships you do make, dedicate time to nurturing and developing them. 

Great friendships don’t just happen—they require care, effort, and a willingness to show up for each other. Whether it’s casual acquaintances or your best friends, cherish the love and support you receive. Every friendship is a blessing that adds richness and meaning to your life, making your world a bit more extraordinary.

True connections take time, but with patience and effort, you’ll find friendships that inspire and uplift you.