GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts
HOME | BEAUTY TIPS

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
Photo 7/22

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.

Photo 8/22

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.

Photo 9/22

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).

Photo 10/22

Turn to the Internet

Turn to the Internet
Making friends as an adult is something tons of people struggle with -- that's why there are plenty of online sites that are here to help. Try MeetUp.com, a site that arranges meet-ups for all different types of hobbies and interests. Or you can try GirlfriendCircles.com, which matches you with likeminded women in your area and arranges a get-together so you can get to know each other.

Photo 11/22

Make Goals

Make Goals
At every event you attend, set a goal (for instance: "I will talk to five new people tonight). This will help you get out of your comfort zone.

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
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2025 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.