Throw a Party, The Easiest Ways to Make Friends as an Adult

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And invite your neighbors. They're already friend frontrunners due to their proximity to your house. Host a casual BBQ or potluck to create a friendship-forming environment.

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Now that you've made friends, keep them by making sure to carve out time for them. Schedule something like a monthly dinner or weekend brunch to help ensure your busy lives don't get in the way of your friendship.

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Don't limit yourself by who you think your friends should be. Instead, make a point to talk to everyone, even if you think you may not have a lot in common. You never know -- you could have more in common with the 70-year-old woman at your book club than you think.

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It can be tough to put yourself out there in vulnerable situations. Try not to take rejection personally. Even if a new acquaintance doesn't turn into a friend, you've still gained valuable learning experience that you can use as you continue meeting new people.

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

Throw a Party

Make Friends Part of Your Routine

Don't Restrict Yourself

Try Not to Fear Rejection

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