How to Make Friends at Any Age
Photos by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marissa Del Mistro
Learn How to Make Friends at Any Age
Remember being a little child, able to approach a friendly face and excitedly ask, “Want to be friends!?” and the rest was history? Those were the days. Knowing how to make friends at any age - especially as we get older - is not easy, as life responsibilities take up more time.
After leaving structured institutions and places, such as after-school hobbies, sports teams, school, and university, finding people you genuinely enjoy spending time with can become increasingly challenging. But friendships with people who accept you are essential to combating loneliness and enjoying life. Friends improve your mental health. So, it’s worth overcoming any fear around it. Read on for some tips on how to make friends at any age.
Reasons to Seek Out New Friendships
As we know, friends are good for our mental health and well-being. Friends can share in your good times and make you laugh or feel heard when you’re feeling down. Whether you’re a new parent or a new runner, finding friends can help you learn the ropes at new stages in your life. Friends are also helpful for networking and improving your career prospects.
Here are some reasons and circumstances why people may actively seek new friendships:
Relocation or Life Transitions: People who have recently moved to a new city or undergone significant life changes, such as starting a new job, getting married, or becoming a parent, often find themselves in a position of seeking new friends in similar circumstances.
Diverse Perspectives and Interests: Our interests and perspectives often change as we grow and evolve. This could lead to a crossroads with old friends who no longer view the world similarly. Seeking out new friends allows people to connect with other like-minded people who share their current passions, hobbies, or intellectual pursuits. Exploring new interests with like-minded friends can bring a sense of excitement and enrichment to their lives.
Professional Networking: Building new friendships in professional settings facilitates career growth. Networking with people in similar fields or industries can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and professional development. A strong professional network enhances your career prospects and can help you move up the career ladder.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: People focused on personal growth, and self-improvement may seek new friendships to challenge themselves and broaden their horizons. Friendships significantly impact overall health and well-being, and adults who prioritize their well-being may seek new friendships to improve their mental, emotional, and physical health. Engaging in social activities, exercising, and sharing healthy habits with friends can promote a balanced lifestyle and enhance the overall quality of life. Whether you find a running buddy or join a women’s small business group, you’ll find support and encouragement from like-minded friends.
Whatever the reason, inviting new people into your life is always an excellent idea!
How To Make Friends At Any Age
Over one-third of U.S. adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, with about one-fourth of adults over 65 socially isolated. Loneliness is detrimental to health as it has been linked to increased stress levels, inflammation, and a higher risk of developing mental health conditions.
According to one study, people need about 50 hours of socializing to go from “acquaintances” to “casual” friends. Then, they need an additional 40 hours together to become “real” friends. This means to form a close friend, it takes around 200 hours of socializing together. This might sound overwhelming, but humans require trust, consistency, vulnerability, and different experiences to properly get to know someone else and ensure they are the right fit. It’s not unlike dating!
Here are some tips to help you learn how to make friends at any age:
Strike up a conversation at a fitness class. Many classes are designed to foster community and camaraderie, so don’t be shy!
Join a book club. You can find book clubs at your local library, online, or via one of your favorite authors.
Attend local political events to help you expand your knowledge and get more involved in your local community while meeting like-minded people.
Take advantage of your network of friends of friends. You may meet lovely people through other friends, so make the first move to connect.
Attend classes at a local university to help you learn new skills while getting to know new people.
Join a crafting or art class to tap into your creative side.
Sign up for a friendship site like BumbleBFF that will connect you to others looking for new pals.
Traveling alone opens up a world of opportunity, including for other people who love to explore and are looking for other travel buddies.
Volunteer for a cause in your community or at your favorite charity organization.
Connect with friends you may have lost touch with in your area.
Use the MeetUp website to find activities and events with others looking to make new friends.
Be neighborly. Try reaching out to your neighbors and inviting them over for a drink or meal.
It’s Never Too Late to Make Friends
Even if you consider yourself more on the shy side, when it comes to forging new friendships, don’t be afraid to make the first move, follow up, and be the first one to ask your friend out to do something! Chances are the person on the other side will be excited and happy you asked. As it takes significant effort and time to get to know new people, remember to embrace friendships with people who make your life bigger and brighter. You got this!
Related Posts: How to Do a Digital Detox, 10 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Marissa Del Mistro is a writer, editor, and always on the hunt for the perfect workout. Marissa absolutely loves trail running, dancing, and cycling. When she’s not writing, Marissa loves cooking, podcasts, traveling, and exploring her home in the beautiful unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations.