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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
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Do Some Good

Do Some Good
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.

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Find Community Events

Find Community Events
Look in your local paper for local events, like art shows or concerts. Choose something that truly interests you; that way you'll know many of the people there will share at least one similar interest.

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Start With a Compliment

Start With a Compliment
Flattery can get you everywhere, especially when it comes to making new friends. Find something about the person to compliment, like their cool scarf or trendy boots. It's an easy way to start a conversation -- and give off good vibes.

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Ask an Open-Ended Question

Ask an Open-Ended Question
Steer clear of questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no." These can cause the conversation to awkwardly fizzle out. Instead, ask questions that require a thoughtful answer.

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Show Interest in Their Social Life

Show Interest in Their Social Life
Once you've chatted with someone a few times, it's a smart idea to show interest in their social life. Ask questions like, "What are you up to this weekend?" Not only will you get to know them better, this gives them an opportunity to extend you an invite (a good option if you are too shy to ask them to hang out directly).

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.
DEC 11, 2013 | SHARES
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