Buzz
Have you recently graduated from college, moved to a new place, or started a new job, and despite knowing you should feel happy, you still find yourself feeling lonely? As Taylor Swift once eloquently said, your 20s are a time of feeling both 'miserable and magical,' but where is the magical part? We understand that transitioning into adulthood can be challenging, which is why we're here to help. This article will share some easy and fun ways to make friends in your 20s. Keep reading to learn how to take the initiative in building friendships and find amazing people to connect with.
Steps
Attend local events and concerts
Meet people with shared interests by going out and having fun. Think of it this way: Most people you'd want to hang out with will be where you want to be. Scour social media and local newspapers in your city to see what events are happening. You might find live music performances, farmers' markets, or theater shows.
- Don't be afraid to go alone! This can motivate you to strike up a conversation with someone. Even asking for directions could lead to a new friendship.
- If you're attending an event solo, let someone you trust know where you're going. Better safe than sorry.
Join a local club
One of the best ways to make friends is through shared interests. From book clubs to soccer clubs, there's something out there for everyone. Let your curiosity and passions guide you, and you'll naturally meet like-minded individuals.
- You can find local clubs online through Facebook and Meetup.com.
- All you need to do is search for activities you're interested in and your location.
- Keep an eye out for community bulletin boards when you're out and about. Many organizations and clubs post flyers about events and gatherings in the area.
Accept invitations more often
Being open to new opportunities is a fantastic way to make friends. Would you grow if you declined almost everything? Seize the moment and say yes to invitations—within reason, of course. For example, if your coworkers are going out for lunch, try joining them. The more you accept invitations, the more chances you'll have to bond with others.
- Friendships are often built on proximity and trust.
- You'll get invited out more often if people know you're enthusiastic about joining in.
- Remember to set boundaries for yourself. You don't have to accept every invitation, but it's important to step out of your comfort zone safely when trying to make friends.
Ask friends to introduce you to their friends
Mutual friends can help you step into a social life. If you're about to move to a new place, reach out to family, friends, and your social media followers to see if they have any connections. Ask if they know anyone in the city who could introduce you, either online or in person.
- This is a small but effective tip if you're a bit nervous about finding friends on your own. You trust your friends' judgment, so their friends could easily become your friends too!
- Think of it like applying for a job, except you're hoping to impress a potential friend instead of an employer.
Sign up for a class
You can find friends while pursuing a passion or learning a new skill. After leaving college, you might feel a bit out of place in a life that doesn't resemble your school days. Friends with shared interests used to sit next to you in class, but who says you can't have that after 20? Sign up for a fitness class, cooking class, or even a crafting workshop.
- For example, if you enjoy writing or reading, check if your local library offers writing workshops or sign up for upcoming book discussions.
- Curiosity can sometimes lead to lasting friendships if you follow it—not to mention, you'll learn something new along the way!
Introduce yourself to familiar faces
A conversation with an acquaintance can also help you build a friendship. There are many places you frequent weekly: the gym, a coffee shop, the grocery store, the dog park, etc. Over time, you'll start recognizing familiar faces. You might smile or wave when you see them, so why not take it a step further and introduce yourself? You might just make a new friend.
- Start with a compliment or a general comment like, 'You always get the perfect amount of sugar in your coffee!' or 'I love your leggings! Where did you get them?'
- Then, introduce yourself and ask for their name.
- Now you can greet them by name and strike up a conversation whenever you see them.
Volunteer for a cause you care about
Find like-minded people through volunteering in your local area. Volunteering is a fantastic way to step out of your comfort zone and contribute to the community. Not only will you meet new people, but you'll also gain insight into local and regional causes. Who knows? You might even find a close friend while serving meals at a soup kitchen!
- Check your city's website or talk to neighbors to find nearby volunteer opportunities.
- You can also search online using keywords like 'volunteer opportunities [your city].'
Stay in touch with people you meet
Regularly checking in is essential for building adult friendships. You have a busy life, and your potential friend likely does too. After hanging out with someone new, ask for their phone number or social media handle. This way, you can invite them out again or simply check in.
- Comment on their social media posts to show interest in their life.
- Send a message asking if they'd like to grab coffee or go shopping over the weekend.
- Don't overthink it. Just type the message and hit send. Being open doesn't hurt anyone.
Talk to your coworkers
You probably talk to your coworkers every day—so why not become friends with them? Get closer to a colleague you like, regardless of their age, and see where it leads. You could invite them for coffee or ask about a photo on their desk. By taking the time to show interest in someone, you can work wonders in building a lasting friendship.
- Compliments can also go a long way, so don’t hesitate to praise their outfit, work ethic, or even their taste in music.
- You might say something like, 'I love your sweater! Where did you get it?' or 'You’re so organized. Any tips for a procrastinator like me?'
- Just be yourself, and friends will naturally come your way.
Be active on social media
Bumble, Instagram, and Facebook are great tools to help you find close friends. Don’t worry about seeming desperate by posting about wanting to make friends—many people will relate! Comment on others' posts and send direct messages to introduce yourself and explore opportunities.
- Try sending a message like, 'I saw you downtown the other day. Any food spots you’d recommend?' or 'I love that bar! Are you going to the live show soon?'
- Your 20s might not be easy, but remember you’re not alone in facing the challenges of change!
- Be open and share your feelings. This could lead you to a new friend.
Join activities with your partner’s friends
Your partner’s friends might be a great match for you. If you’re in a relationship, spend time with their friend group. This is especially helpful if you’re planning to move in together or relocate near them. Ask if you can join them for a night out—bowling, watching a movie, or grabbing dinner. You might feel more comfortable in a group where everyone already knows each other.
- Your partner can act as a buffer if you’re nervous about meeting new people. You’ll have someone to lean on if things get awkward!
Make time for friends
Set aside time in your daily schedule to connect with friends. Whether new or old, your friends need attention just like you do. Spending time together, whether online or in person, strengthens your bond and shows you’re reliable. So, send a 'How are you?' message or plan to meet weekly or monthly.
- This effort helps nurture long-lasting friendships, especially as you grow and change.
- If you feel refreshed and happy after spending time with them, they’re worth your time! A true friend is someone you look forward to seeing because they make you feel fulfilled, inside and out.
- Try scheduling regular meetups for a few weeks. This way, both of you can mark it on your calendars and have something to look forward to.
Learn to cherish alone time
Confidence is key to navigating friendships in your 20s. The journey to finding new friends has its ups and downs, and it’s important to have a solid friendship with yourself first. Stay safe and be kind to yourself to stay motivated when you feel lonely.
- Remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way. Over time, you’ll find friends as long as you keep trying.
- Stick to your daily routines, attend classes, go to events, and enjoy life. One day, you’ll be surprised by the luck that comes your way when you confidently embrace who you are.
Be patient
Making friends takes time, especially as you transition into adulthood. Unfortunately, you can’t just wake up one day with a circle of friends—if only it were that easy! Patience and persistence are part of the journey. Building friendships requires effort, but you’ll find the right people as long as you keep trying.
- Don’t give up, even when you feel discouraged.
- Keep putting yourself out there because you never know when your closest friend might appear.
- Change doesn’t happen overnight, so instead of feeling frustrated, treat each day as a new opportunity to enjoy life and meet the friends you’ve been waiting for.
