How to Make Friends

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It's the perfect plan: While the dogs bond by sniffing each other, you can bond with the owner by striking up a conversation. The topic? Easy -- your pups. Getting into a regular dog-walking schedule also means you'll see the same people every day, making it easier to move into friend territory.

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Find a fitness class, like Zumba or cycling, and make a regular appearance. You'll kill two birds with one stone: stay in shape, and meet potential new friends with whom you share a similar interest. When you're working through the pain of an intense workout, a sense of camaraderie forms. At the very least, you can strike up a conversation about how tough that last uphill climb in your cycling class was.

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Remember how easy it was to make friends in college? Channel that by looking into your alma mater's alumni programs. Many universities have alumni programs that meet up regularly.

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Carpooling not only cuts down on car emissions and your gas bill, it also fosters a sense of friendship with your coworkers. Some companies offer programs that offer incentives for carpooling (like reduced parking costs or better parking spots), making this a no-brainer for bonding with a coworker or two. Plus, braving the morning traffic is a surefire way to forge bonds.

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Volunteering provides an opportunity to meet like-minded people. Plus, it gives you a specific role while working alongside others, which is perfect for those who have a tough time with small talk. Browse local volunteering opportunities at VolunteerMatch.org.

Making friends used to be effortless, but as we get older, meeting new people becomes more and more difficult. Studies have shown that we benefit from having close friends: The social interaction can be stress relieving and help us be healthier (one study at Brigham Young University even found that not having many friends was as risky as smoking 15 cigarettes a day).

But with work and family commitments always popping up, finding the time to make new friends can be daunting. That's where these tips come in handy. They'll help you learn how to make friends as an adult, along with suggestions of where to meet new people. Get ready for your social calendar to fill up.

The Easiest Ways to Make Friends as an Adult

Making new friends doesn't have to be difficult. Here, 22 tips to help you expand your social horizons

Walk Your Dog

Get Your Sweat On

Connect With Alumni

Save the Environment

Do Some Good

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