As you get older, it can be harder to make new friends. You don’t automatically meet new people at school or on the football team. So how do you go about making friends in adulthood? Here are eleven awesome tips on how to make new friends, according to research!
Find shared similarities
The easiest way to form new friendships is through a shared interest, whether that’s going to the gym, a book club or through religion.
People tend to be friends with those who have similarities to themselves, including likes and dislikes, the same interests, or even personality traits, according to one study.
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Research found that a smile is super important when it comes to finding new friendships, as people are more attuned to positive emotions when forming new relationships.
Reconnect with someone
Instead of focusing on turning a stranger into a friend, focus on turning acquaintances into friends.
Research has found that strong friendships can be formed by reconnecting with acquaintances, even if it’s been a long time without contact.
Ask someone for help
Asking someone for help or a favour can make someone like you too. In fact, it can indicate intimacy and trust, according to research. It can seem like a sign of respect on your part.
Go to a regular activity
The more often you are seen by a person, the more likely it is that you like that person (and vice versa of course).
Spend more time in a place where you like to hang out regardless. The more you do it, the more likely you are to be seen by people who have something in common with you.
Volunteer
Volunteering can benefit the organization as well as yourself by helping you connect with others who share a common interest and a desire to improve society.
Studies show that volunteering can be a great way to make new friends.
Share personal information
Vulnerability is one of the factors that comes into play when creating intimacy with someone, and self-disclosure is a key ingredient when it comes to shaping relationships, according to research.
Stay in touch
Research has found that reciprocity, calling up a friend, for example, is the strongest factor in whether a friendship lasts or not.
When a friend tries to reach out, answer. When a friend needs you, be there. We’re busy, and life, work, and everything you need to do as an adult can keep us from being a good friend.
Joke
Don’t hold back when it comes to humor. One study found that laughing with someone makes them more likely to share personal information about themselves. Laughter I help people feel more relaxed about what they’re telling you.
Ask questions
Make a genuine attempt to get to know someone. It’s easy to see when someone is going through the motions of listening, and just waiting for it to be their attempt to talk.
Get a dog
A pet can do more than just keep you company at home, it can help you make friends. People with dogs are more approachable and meet more people overall, according to multiple studies. If you can’t own your own dog, consider whether you might be able to take on extra work as a dog sitter?