Who are your friends?
Are you struggling to make friends as an adult? This can be especially difficult if you have relocated, or if you are an empty nester.
A recent survey has determined you might not have a lot of close relationships in your life. In fact, the number of people who claim to have more than three solid friendships in their lives is only 37% or one-third of the population. Even more discouraging is the idea that fully 27% of adults say they have no close relationships at all.
As an adult, the thought of trying to make new friends is a daunting idea. For one thing, we’re swamped. We get caught up on our personal responsibilities and business goals that frequently we don’t make time for a social life outside of loose connections with our children’s friends’ parents and professional networking. Who has the time?
Thankfully, you do. It actually takes less time than you think to discover the joy of adult friendships. You can start with these five simple tips:
#1 Start with the Old
Why reinvent the wheel? Instead, ask yourself who your friends used to be. Is it possible you can rekindle some old friendships? In this era of social media, tracking down your best friend from high school is easier than ever. Why not shoot someone a quick message or text to open up the conversation all over again?
#2 Become a Listener
When in groups of new people, rather than working hard to be the life of the party, why not take a step back? Making a point to actively listen to people makes you more attractive to those around you (everyone loves a listener) and puts you in the position of discovering the things which intrigue you most about the others. It’s a simple way to learn about shared interests, so you can strike up a friendship.
#3 Take it to the Next Level
Have acquaintances but aren’t quite ready to call them friends yet? Try opening up a little. Being vulnerable forges intimacy with others and deepens the friendship, taking it to the next level.
#4 Stay in Touch
Worried about how to hang onto the friends you have? If you want to keep people from falling off the radar and becoming distant, make a point to check in with them once in a while. Send a text, make a call, set up a chance to get together. By checking in, you’re telling the other person they’re important to you and worth your time. A general rule of thumb? Connect about every two weeks.
#5 Make a Group
Even better? Start putting your friends together in one place by creating a group of friends. There’s nothing more fun than hanging out in a gathering of people who enjoy each other’s company. Start simple, with a lunch date or drinks after work.
We would love to hear your comments below with any tips you have for making new friends as an adult. Many people are feeling even more isolated than ever before due to the current global events, so let us know how you are coping with maintaining longtime friendships as well as making new friends.
And remember…..”A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he/she knows you are slightly cracked”
Bernard Meltzer