18 Easy Ways to Make New Friends as an Adult

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Expand your social circle with these expert-backed tips
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When you’re a kid in school, making new friends happens pretty naturally, since you’re seeing your classmates every day and you’re all in the same setting. It can be a bit tougher to make new friends as an adult, but with a bit of effort and perseverance, it’s entirely possible. Luckily, we’ve compiled a guide on how to do exactly this, complete with expert tips from therapists, life coaches, and social events hosts. Keep reading for everything you need to know to create the thriving social life you’re dreaming of!

How to Make New Friends as an Adult

Certified life coach Kirin Dejonckheere recommends joining groups or clubs to make new friends as an adult. For example, she says that taking fitness classes, participating in book clubs, or volunteering at local events are all great ways to foster quick connections and meet people with shared interests.

1

Join a group, club, or class.

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  1. Attend a group or club or take a class to meet people with shared interests.
    “I think it’s always a good idea to try to find interest groups, so fitness classes or book clubs, maybe hobbies that you like, because if you find people with shared interests, you can foster quick connections,” explains Dejonckheere.[1] Clinical therapist and adjunct professor Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP, agrees. “Whether it’s a drama club, a sports team, or a chess club, these groups provide opportunities to connect with people who share your passions,” she says.[2]
    • Licensed psychologist Liana Georgoulis, PsyD, recommends picking an activity or club that’s ongoing, rather than short-term. “It’s easier to cultivate relationships when you see people regularly over time than if you do something one time. Try a few different things, then stay consistent with the activities and groups of people you like best,” she says.[3]
    • Examples of groups/clubs to try out: Fitness classes, sports teams, running/jogging groups, bowling leagues, book clubs, writing groups, chess clubs, community theater programs, improv groups, dance classes, art classes, cooking classes.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Rebecca Tenzer MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP, is a clinical therapist and adjunct professor who specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, and interpersonal relationships.

    Kirin Dejonckheere is a certified life coach who provides both online and in-person coaching sessions tailored to her clients’ needs, personality, and desired outcomes.

    Liana Georgoulis, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 12 years of experience whose mission is to provide clients with effective treatments that bring about significant improvements in their lives.

    Amiccio is a social events organization based in NYC that hosts social events to help people make new connections, whether they’re new to the city or just looking to expand their social network.

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2

Attend social events in your area.

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  1. Utilize local social networks to meet cool people in your area.
    No matter where you live, you're probably not the only adult interested in making new friends. “Many cities will have places where people go to be social. This can be in bars, parks, at concerts, etc.,” says social events host Kevin Wang of Amiccio.[4]
    • Look for local groups and activities in these locations that are designed for the sole purpose of bringing strangers together.[5] You’ll likely meet others who are looking to expand their social circles!
    • It can be a bit nerve-wracking to attend an event geared toward people who want to make new friends, but it’s important to challenge yourself to get out there.
    • “No matter how outgoing you are, if you’re at home on the couch watching Netflix, nothing is going to happen. Being active and finding events that are social in nature will help you meet new people by sheer exposure!” Wang explains.[6]
    • If you don't know where to start looking, head online and check out daily deal services like Groupon or LivingSocial, or socializing services like Meetup.com. Organizations like these usually arrange a variety of activities, from cocktail mixers to ski trips.
3

Volunteer for a cause you care about.

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  1. Look for volunteer opportunities for causes you’re passionate about.
    “Volunteering is not only a selfless way to give back to the community, but also an excellent way to meet new people,” says Dr. Tenzer. She recommends looking for volunteer opportunities within your local community, so you can meet like-minded people in your area. “You’ll likely encounter individuals who share your values and interests,” she says.[7]
    • For example, if you’re an animal lover, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Or, if you’re passionate about the environment, you could attend a beach or park clean-up. It’s entirely up to you!
    • Once you’re there, try striking up a few conversations with your fellow volunteers. If you’re on the shier side, this is a great way to practice your social skills and get more comfortable conversing with people you don’t know.[8]
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4

Go on a walk in your neighborhood.

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  1. Lace up your walking shoes and head outside.
    Nowadays, few people really take the time to meet the people living around them, but a new bestie could be living a lot closer than you realize! Go for a walk in your neighborhood, and make an effort to greet the people you pass. If you have a dog, be sure to take it with you on your walk. Most people love animals, and someone who wouldn't approach you when you're on your own might approach you if it means meeting a friendly furry companion.[9]
5

Explore your city on your own.

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  1. Check out cool new restaurants or hangout spots in your area.
    Too many people let the fact that they're alone stop them from enjoying all that their city has to offer. Force yourself out into the world without worrying about how it looks when you're by yourself. Try to visit places that align with your likes or interests, like a museum if you’re an art lover, or a restaurant that serves your favorite type of cuisine. This makes it easier to run into people who have something in common with you![10]
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6

Be a regular at spots you like.

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  1. Be a familiar face at your favorite coffee shop, café, or store.
    Few people will approach a stranger the first time they see them, but if you become a familiar face at someone's favorite hangout spot, it’s much more likely that people will become curious and eventually approach you.[11] This can be the start of some great friendships!
    • Choose a location with regular traffic yet small crowds. For example, head to a local coffee shop every Saturday at 11 a.m., or a low-key pub every Thursday evening at 7 PM. Repeat the process for several weeks to see if you can make a connection with any of the other regulars.
7

Connect with friends of friends.

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  1. Ask others to introduce you to people they think you’d get along with.
    When you’re trying to make new friends as an adult, it can be tough because “you might not have the social structure of school or a new workplace” like you did when you were younger, Wang explains. With this in mind, Wang recommends meeting new people through your existing relationships.[12] To do this, ask a friend, coworker, or family member if they know anyone you might vibe with. It’s kind of like having a platonic blind date!
    • Just make it clear that you're only interested in meeting a platonic friend, not a romantic partner.
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8

Reconnect with old friends.

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  1. Consider reaching out to past friends you’ve fallen out of touch with.
    “Think of people you’ve known and liked in the past who you maybe haven’t spoken to in a while, and reach out to them via phone, email, or social media,” recommends Dr. Georgoulis.[13] You might catch them at a time when they’re hoping to make closer friendships or expand their social circle, too, which could lead to a pretty awesome rekindled friendship!
9

Turn work friends into real friends.

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  1. Invite a coworker for a coffee or lunch.
    A work-life separation is definitely important, but if you have a work friend that you get along super well with, they can easily become a genuine, real-life friend![14] Consider inviting them to grab a coffee after work, or ask if they want to get lunch over the weekend sometime. If you have shared hobbies or interests, you can also invite them to a group or club related to those!
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10

Have approachable body language in public.

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  1. Try to look approachable and friendly when you’re out and about.
    No matter where you go, greet the people you pass with a nod and a smile. Your body language should also convey friendliness and openness, so try to stand up straight and be in the present moment, rather than hunching over or looking down at your phone too much. Others are much more likely to approach someone who seems open than someone who seems closed-off or distant![15]
    • For example, crossing your arms and/or legs and looking down makes you seem less approachable and conveys the message that you don’t want to be bothered.
11

Keep an open mind about new friends.

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  1. Be open to making connections with people who are different from you.
    According to Dr. Tenzer, “It’s important to be open to making friends with people from different backgrounds or with diverse interests.”[16] You might expect your new friends to be similar to you in terms of age, gender, and circumstance, but if you limit yourself to that one demographic, you may accidentally pass someone by who you'd get along with surprisingly well. “Don't limit yourself to a specific group; sometimes, unexpected friendships can be the most rewarding!” says Dr. Tenzer.[17]
    • For example, you might meet a neighbor 20 years older than you who happens to share your love for cooking and gardening, or you could make friends with someone 20 years younger than you who frequents the same museums and coffee shops.
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12

Put yourself out there and take the initiative.

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  1. Once you’ve found a potential friend, ask them to hang out.
    “The most important thing when meeting new people is to take the initiative to put yourself out there,” explains Wang.[18] Instead of waiting for them to make a move, be bold and make the first move yourself. Think about an activity your acquaintance might enjoy, and ask if they would be interested in doing it with you over the weekend. It can be nerve-wracking to take a leap in this way, but it’s the only way to really make a new connection!
    • If you’ve primarily been spending time with the person in an organized group (club, organization, volunteering, etc.), invite them to hang out outside of the group.[19] Spending one-on-one time with them is key to building the friendship.
    • Don’t overthink things! A simple, "Hey, what are you doing on Saturday? Do you want to try out this new restaurant?" can totally do the trick.
13

Say “yes” to invitations, even if you’re nervous.

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  1. Try to accept invitations to hang out with potential new friends.
    “If you finally make one friend and they invite you to something, just go, even if you don’t know anyone there,” Dejonckheere says. “Get out of your comfort zone!”[20] This might make you a little nervous, but it’s a great opportunity to grow closer to your new friend and even meet a few other cool people.
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14

Converse with them to connect on a deeper level.

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  1. Engage in deeper convos and be a good listener to build your friendship.
    Casual conversation is fine for acquaintances, but if you want to turn this acquaintance into a real friend, you'll eventually need to move on from the lighter stuff and start deeper conversations. Vulnerability separates acquaintances from actual friends, so you’ve got to be willing to open yourself up to other people![22]
    • “Of course, there are the usual conversation topics of where you’re from, what do you do, etc.,” says Wang. “The next level would be what do you do for fun, passions, hobbies, places you’ve been, interests you want to pursue, skills to improve on.”[23]
    • If you’ve been vibing well with someone and think your acquaintanceship could progress to a closer friendship, try bringing up one of these topics to deepen the conversation!
15

Show genuine interest in their life.

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  1. Ask them questions about themselves and be a good listener.
    This shows that you genuinely want to connect and get to know them better. “Show interest in what others have to say, ask follow-up questions, and be empathetic,” recommends Dr. Tenzer.[24] Dr. Tenzer also stresses the importance of being a good listener while they answer your questions. “Make sure you make eye contact, smile, and then allow time for you to add information about yourself,” she says.[25]
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16

Make an effort to nurture your new connections.

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  1. Once you make a connection, put in the work to maintain it.
    “When you meet people you like, become a good friend and put some work into the relationship. Be reciprocal,” says Dr. Georgoulis.[26] For example, if your new friend invites you to hang out the first time, match their effort and invite them to hang out the next time. Or, if they text you to check in throughout the week, make sure you’re doing the same for them. This shows that you value the connection and want to deepen it!
17

Try not to take rejection personally.

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  1. If someone doesn’t want to be your friend, don’t take it personally.
    Rejection is a completely normal part of trying to make new friends. Sometimes, two people just don’t vibe together, and that’s totally okay. Or, the other person might be too busy or dealing with too many issues in their personal life to nurture a new friendship. Whatever the situation, it has nothing to do with how amazing you are! Shake it off, and get back out there. You’ll find the right people soon!
    • We really can’t stress this enough—if someone does reject you, it’s not because something is wrong with you! Try not to get down on yourself about it.
    • Be proud of yourself for trying to make friends, and try to learn something from the experience. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there, so take pride in that!
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18

Be patient and consistent.

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  1. Remember that it takes time and effort to make new friends.
    “Building friendships can take time, and you might face some setbacks. Stay positive, keep trying, and don't be discouraged if not every attempt leads to a new friend,” says Dr. Tenzer. “Be patient, persistent, and open to new opportunities, and you'll increase your chances of meeting friends who enrich your life.”[27]
    • Dr. Georgoulis agrees. “Remember that people with active and fulfilling social lives work hard at them. It is true of anything: when you put energy and focus towards something over time, you get better at it and also begin to see payoffs. Be patient and consistent. It takes time to build quality friendships!” she says.[28]

Join the Discussion...

How do you make new friends as an adult?
Katie Stolp
Katie Stolp
Master Certified Coach
Making new friends is a skill anyone can get better at - we just have to practice. Start with low-stakes conversations wherever you go. What’s your dog’s name? How long have you lived here? What’s it like for you? Practice connecting with people through low-pressure conversations.

When you find someone you want to hang out with, suggest a specific time, date, and place. Getting specific brings ease to the relationship and makes it easier for them to say yes.

Focus on finding “want matches”—people who align with how you want to show up in relationships. For example, if you want more depth and deep conversations in your friendships, but someone else likes to keep things more casual, that might not be a “want match.” Same if you want a friend who checks in every week, but they want less consistent communication. Neither person is wrong; it just may not be a “want match.” Find the people who want a similar level of communication, effort, and closeness. They are out there, waiting for you to find them.

Expect it to feel awkward or uncertain at first. That doesn’t mean anything has gone wrong; it means you’re human and brave enough to try something new.
Eden Gold
Eden Gold
Youth Motivational Speaker and Teen Life Coach
To make friends as an adult, you have to accept yourself. Acknowledge your quirks, flaws, and strengths, then work on becoming your best self. Once you’ve built some confidence, put yourself in new environments. Most friendships form when you engage in a hobby and connect with other people who are doing the same thing. It rarely works the other way around—when you make friends first and then go do the hobby.

Even if it’s scary or you’re introverted, go take that Muay Thai class, join that book club, or volunteer. When you show up authentically, the right people will find you. I also want to acknowledge that making friends as an adult is hard. You will lose friends, and that’s okay. It just means you’re growing in a different direction as them.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I strengthen my bond with new friends?
    Amiccio
    Amiccio
    Social Events Host
    Amiccio is a Social Events organization based in New York, New York. Amiccio hosts social events to help people make new connections, whether they are new to the city, or just wish to expand beyond their existing social network. Amiccio’s efforts focus on connecting singles and new friends by hosting socials, dance classes, and speed dating events.
    Amiccio
    Amiccio
    Social Events Host
    Expert Answer
    Sharing memories and experiences together is one of the best ways to bond. Team sports, trips, and mini-excursions are all great ways to build some common ground. As you get closer with your new friends, you can also start joking around and teasing one another.
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  • Making friends will be awkward and will push you out of your comfort zone. Don’t get frustrated and give up. There are so many people out there, so continue to meet as many new people as you can!
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  • When you go somewhere with the intention of socializing, set goals for yourself to help motivate you. Tell yourself that you won't leave until you've spoken to at least one or two new people.
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References

  1. ↑ Kirin Dejonckheere. Certified Life Coach. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Amiccio. Social Events Host. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/relationships/social-connection/making-good-friends
  6. ↑ Amiccio. Social Events Host. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits
  9. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/relationships/social-connection/making-good-friends
  1. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/relationships/social-connection/making-good-friends
  2. ↑ https://time.com/4085138/adult-friendship-advice/
  3. ↑ Amiccio. Social Events Host. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://hbr.org/2024/02/how-to-turn-a-coworker-into-a-friend
  6. ↑ https://www.healthguidance.org/entry/16778/1/how-to-be-more-likeable.html
  7. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Amiccio. Social Events Host. Expert Interview
  10. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/3038537/how-to-make-new-friends-as-an-adult
  11. ↑ Kirin Dejonckheere. Certified Life Coach. Expert Interview
  12. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
  13. ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/3038537/how-to-make-new-friends-as-an-adult
  14. ↑ Amiccio. Social Events Host. Expert Interview
  15. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
  16. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
  17. ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview
  18. ↑ Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP. Clinical Therapist & Adjunct Professor. Expert Interview
  19. ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Kirin Dejonckheere
Co-authored by:
Kirin Dejonckheere
Certified Life Coach
This article was co-authored by Kirin Dejonckheere and by wikiHow staff writer, Annabelle Reyes. Kirin Dejonckheere is a Certified Life Coach based in New York City, NY. Kirin provides both online and in-person 1:1 coaching sessions. She tailors each program to her client’s needs, personality, and desired outcomes. In addition to receiving her Life Coach Practitioner certification in 2020, Kirin is personally mentored by Rob Dial is also a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach. This article has been viewed 70,354 times.
62 votes - 72%
Co-authors: 19
Updated: October 24, 2025
Views: 70,354
Categories: Friends | Enjoying Friendship
Article SummaryX

Making friends as an adult isn't always easy, but with a little patience and practice, you'll find it easier to do. It can help if you join groups based on your interests, like a book club, cooking class, or volunteer group. You can also try volunteering to find people to talk to. Striking up conversations with strangers may seem intimidating, but with practice, it will become easier and you never know what kinds of connections you might make with someone. Try frequenting the same bars or cafés, and you’ll start seeing other regular customers the more you go in. This is a great way to naturally build familiarity and create an opportunity to start talking. If you have a particularly good conversation, ask them what their plans are for the rest of the day and if they'd like to hang out. To find out how to turn a friendly acquaintance into a close friend, keep reading!

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