20 ways to make more friends in adulthood

Having friends is one of the fundamental things in life, to take everything in a lighter and happier way. Furthermore, it is friends who accompany us in difficult times and in joys, sharing experiences and feelings. However, many people don’t know how to make friends, especially in adulthood. Well, there can be a lot of shyness and insecurity involved. However, there are some really cool tips you can follow. So, check it out.

Tips on how to make friends

1 – Find out if you know

At first, before understanding how to make friends, it is essential that you know yourself. Because, by getting to know yourself, you make your relationship with yourself easier, which favors coexistence with other people.

In short, before making any friends, reflect on yourself. Therefore, identify things that are good for you, your reactions and quirks. Afterwards, you will be open to showing yourself to someone new.

2 – Be yourself

To know how to make friends, it’s important to always be yourself. At first, as mentioned before, get to know more about yourself. Then accept who you are and don’t change to please anyone.

Furthermore, when we express who we really are, we organize our interior, and the connection with others becomes more sincere and stronger.

3 – Look around you

Among the tips on how to make friends, you need to look around you. That is, friendship represents a relationship of exchange, reciprocity. Therefore, to make new friends, you need to put yourself in a receptive state and notice the people around you.

Furthermore, you must take initiative, show interest, break the distance barrier. In short, maintaining an open posture will be an excellent way to make friends.

4 – Frequent places you like

When you know about yourself, you will understand what your tastes are, what you like and dislike. In this aspect, frequent places that interest you. Well, you can find people with similar tastes and interests to yours.

5 – Get out of your comfort zone

On the other hand, a good way to make friends is to get out of your comfort zone. So, if you frequent places you like and haven’t met anyone yet, it’s time to expand and invest in new areas.

Since, great friendships are not always in our neighborhood, at our school or college. So, get out of your comfort zone, discover new places, meet different people and be surprised.

6 – Smile more

Smiling more is one of the ways to make friends. Because, it represents that you are someone accessible and open to new relationships. Furthermore, smiling people appear more friendly and interesting.

On the other hand, a smile influences positivity. Since, it relates to the physiological and emotional state. So, don’t spare smiles, they can make you happier, more confident and more receptive to making new friends.

7 – Make an effort to create a connection

To know how to make friends, it is essential that you make an effort to create and maintain a connection with the person. Because, in addition to a receptive state, a friendship requires exchange and reciprocity.

In other words, bring up topics, share stories and also show interest in listening. Later, this exchange becomes something natural, without requiring effort.

8 – Be sincere and authentic

When we think of friendship, we imagine something that provides us with trust, sincerity, joy and affection. Therefore, in addition to being yourself, it is important that you are always honest about who you are and your thoughts. Furthermore, it is necessary to be sincere about the events of friendship, not omitting anything to please others.

On the other hand, authenticity is very pleasing. That is, that you develop unique things with each friendship. Well, there are things that you only do with a special friend. Therefore, this makes your relationship unique and strong.

9 – Show that you care

Among the tips on how to make friends, after building a connection, it is time to maintain reciprocity. So keep showing that you care about the person. In short, show that you are available and present, know how to listen and tell about your life.

10 – Be Good Vibes

When you think about how to make friends, it’s important to pay attention to your emotions, as they are contagious. For example, the chances of you making new friends by complaining about your difficult day or the people you spend time with are very low.

According to scientists from Ohio University and the University of Hawaii, we imitate the movements and expressions of others. Soon, we end up feeling similar emotions too. In other words, we are unconsciously influenced by the emotions of others.

Therefore, it is good that you transmit positive emotions, so that other people feel good around you. Later, when you are closer, you can open up about your negative emotional dilemmas.

11 – Be friendly

Being friendly is crucial to developing good friendships. That is, be more smiling and understand that you are not the owner of reason. Because, by having the humility to see other points of view, you will convey an image of greater sympathy.

However, this doesn’t mean you should withhold your views. Therefore, you must learn to talk to people who think differently, maintaining respect, politeness and friendliness. This way, you will maintain old friendships and gain good new ones.

12 – Know how to listen

Among the ways to make friends, knowing how to listen is extremely important. So, when talking to someone, truly listen to what they are saying. Well, the other person will notice your attention and feel respected.

In short, many end up wanting to talk too much and miss the opportunity to hear what others have to add. Therefore, be available to listen to what others have to say, their story, their tastes and opinions.

13 – Start participating in organizations, groups and other social events to meet new people

Getting involved in organizations, groups and social events is a great way to make friends. Since, you can find people with interests similar to yours.

In this aspect, you can participate in reading and study groups at school. Or, join a choir or band. Also, if you join a sports team.

Finally, seek friendships in church, mosque, temple or worship environments with beliefs similar to yours.

14 – Use strategies to spark conversation

Among the tips on how to make friends, use and abuse strategies to start a conversation. For example:

• Comment something about the occasion or place. For example, the classic “What about this time, huh?”.
• Ask or offer help: “Can you help me carry these books quickly?”, “Help me choose a gift for my grandmother?”, “Do you need a hand cleaning?”, etc.
• Give compliments, like “What a great car” or “I loved your outfit”. However, avoid being too personal to avoid embarrassment. Later, ask a question that continues on the same topic. In other words, “Where did you buy that outfit? I wanted something in that style.”

15 – Understand the importance of friendship

Understanding the importance of friendship and valuing it is essential. Furthermore, some people complain about having few friends, and do not value the few they do have.

Therefore, to strengthen and increase your circle of friends it is crucial that you have attitudes that value your friends. For example, show the affection you feel for them, respect their opinions, give advice, support when they need it and include them more in your life.

16 – Learn to make small talk

If the person seems interested in keeping the conversation going, try asking questions and talking a little about yourself. However, it doesn’t have to be very personal things, just something to establish a good dialogue. Well, learning to make small talk is one of the ways to make friends.

In short, talk about yourself, listen to what the other person has to say, and show that you are interested. Also, make eye contact, ask questions, and comment on what the person says. For example, if the person talks about the college course they are taking, say something like “That’s cool! When did you become interested in this?”

17 – Be loyal to your friends

To gain and maintain friendships, it is essential that you are loyal. In other words, be present at all times, whether good or bad, to provide support.

Furthermore, a good friend is also prepared to sacrifice a little time and energy to help someone in need. Therefore, show that you are open to being a friendly shoulder for others to vent when necessary.

18 – Do your part!

To maintain your friendships you must do your part too, not just wait for the other person to do it. In other words, send a message, invite someone out, remember their birthday, etc. Furthermore, when you can, stop and reflect on whether you are being the type of friend you would like to have.

Or also, if your friend is doing his part. Because, if not, an honest conversation will be necessary, without pointing fingers, just to look for a solution.

19 – Maintain constant contact

It’s normal for some people to lose contact with their friends because they get too busy. Or also, for not valuing friendship. In this regard, even if you don’t have time to talk or meet your friends, say “hi” to show that you are still thinking about them.

Ultimately, maintaining a lasting friendship requires effort. So, give your friends time and respect their decisions, as well as asking for respect for yours.

20 – Select your friends well

Finally, among the tips on how to get friends, you need to carefully select which friends you will have. Well, some relationships end up being harmful.

For example, when an individual tries to control another, they only make negative criticisms or pose dangers and risks to their own lives.

In light of this, know that this is the time to start stepping away and taking care of yourself. Therefore, take care and value positive friendships, and don’t be afraid to move away from toxic friendships.

So, did you like our tips on how to make friends? To learn more about the subject, read also: How to meet new people? 8 simple tips that work.