How To Make Friends As An Adult
Start writing a post
Friendships

8 Things To Remember When You're Trying To Make Friends As An Adult

Remember to stay open, remain confident, and start small.

74
8 Things To Remember When You're Trying To Make Friends As An Adult

Sometimes, it can seem like everyone's found their place while you're stuck drifting, without a set group of friends. Some people like it that way, but others don't like the uncertainty. Spring semester has barely started, so if you're looking for new friends, don't feel like it's too late to meet new people and find a good group.

1. Don't quit!

You always hear that clubs are a great way to find friends, and don't be afraid to join a new organization. In general, most groups won't care when you come in, though it's important to find out beforehand. However, remember that not all groups are geared towards meeting often enough to actually make friends with those around you. Make sure you're always trying something that you have interest in, and if your first try doesn't have ideal results, don't quit at it. Keep trying!

2. Make sure that you're leaving yourself open

It's easy to get discouraged when you feel like you have been trying without rewards for so long. Don't let that dissuade you. Things are always about the effort you put into them. Don't let opportunities pass you by.

3. Stay confident

You attract more people to you when you feel better about yourself and who you are as a person. When you come off as thriving and self-possessed, other defining features become minuscule in comparison. Self-worth starts within. Others can tell if you're just looking for external validation.

4. Don't come off too strong, but don't dilute yourself to appeal to others

It's hard to find a good balance of being palatable and being a strong character. Don't misrepresent yourself to other people just because they might like you more. It won't be good for you in the long run, when they realize that you've been faking, and, anyway, people, in general, can tell that something's off if you're pretending to be someone you're not. Still, also remember that people tend not to become best friends right away. Take it slow, and enjoy the journey it takes to get there.

5. Pay attention to others

When you're searching for friendship, it can become easy to focus only on what you could be doing and how you're coming off. Don't forget about the world around you. When you're taking notice of how others act and feel, it will be easier to actually connect with them as people.

6. Start small

Start with small conversations or invites to study, instead of more intense friend activities. Don't expect too much too fast, and be OK with taking smaller steps to invite others' interests.

7. Don't compare college to high school

You may have had a million friends by the time you graduated. You also probably spent years in that place, with the same people around you constantly. College is inherently different, so of course, it's going to be harder to form relationships that fast. You're going to make yourself miserable if all you do is think about how it used to be.

8. Stop for a second

Take a deep breath. Don't get stressed out over your social life. Experiences are not always equivalent, and just because someone told you that life needs to be one way, that doesn't mean it can't go another. You won't be in this place forever. You're going to be fine.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

20520
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

948048
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

124752
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments