Ask an Open-Ended Question, The Easiest Ways to Make Friends as an Adult

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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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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).

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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.

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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.

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You don't always have to start over when it comes to making friends. Find old friends through social sites, like Facebook, and rekindle your friendship. Invite them to catch up over coffee, or schedule a time to do an activity you used to bond over (like bowling or going on morning runs).

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

Ask an Open-Ended Question

Show Interest in Their Social Life

Turn to the Internet

Make Goals

Reconnect With Old Friends

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