How To Make Friends As An Adult
Lack of social connection can pose as great a risk as smoking, drinking too much or leading a sedentary lifestyle. A Swedish study found that, along with physical activity, maintaining a rich network of friends can add significant years to your life. Initiation is especially important for people who are in a new social environment, such as people who have moved to a new city, started a new school or job.
Not only are these events filled with people who want to connect with other professionals, but they’re also great places to meet people who share the same passions. You can learn more about these types of meetings through apps like Meet Up and Eventbrite. Many people don’t realize they have a potential friend who lives right next to or across the street. They give the free greeting and immediately close their door, without even trying to start a conversation.
Being active in a local church, synagogue or mosque will ensure that you come into contact with a community of like-minded people who will support you. If you’re at the point in your life where you’re actively looking for friendship, one of the best ways to connect with someone is through old friendship. This group may include classic friends from childhood, high school, college, or even old colleagues.
Sometimes people take greater risks with virtual friendships because they feel anonymous, but rarely do these online relationships replace the people you meet in real life. Technology has changed the definition of friendship in recent years. With the click of a button, we can add a friend or create a new connection. But having hundreds of friends online isn’t the same as having a close friend with whom you can spend time in person. Online friends can’t hug you when a crisis hits, visit you when you’re sick, or celebrate a happy occasion with you. Our most important and powerful connections occur when we are face to face.
So make it a priority to stay connected in the real world, not just online. These tips can help you meet people, start a conversation, and cultivate healthy connections that will improve your sohbet life and well-being. This is a great way to find other people who have common interests. You don’t necessarily have to have a lot of common interests with people to make friends with them.
My problem with maintaining the connection was that it lacked the ability for repeated encounters. Going to a conference, or a happy hour, or a networking event only gave me one chance to connect. When I lived in Atlanta, I didn’t manage to make friends until I joined a coworking space where I started seeing the same people all the time. Being involved in an ongoing activity and meeting the same people regularly gives you the opportunity to get to know them before you decide to pursue a more personal relationship, says Dr. Tessina. When you find someone you think is particularly nice, spend a little time talking to them during or after your activity. Ask questions about the project you are working on or share experiences and advice.
Many of us struggle to meet people and develop quality connections. However, regardless of your age or circumstances, it’s never too late to make new friends, reconnect with old friends, and significantly improve your social life, emotional health, and overall well-being. Every friendship is different, but most require some sort of physical presence. Social media and apps can give you the illusion of having friends without having to go out. There’s nothing wrong with using these tools to get the ball going, but remember that there’s no real obligation to each other online.