How do you make friends as an adult?

💭This is a question we received today from @YourEncourager

💭Do you find it hard to make friends and meet new people? How do you make friends now? What is a real friendship to you?

💭Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments!

💭 You’re welcome to ask us any life questions either in mailbox or messages! Let’s help out!

#letschat #friendship

2024/5/30 Edited to

... Read moreMaking friends as an adult can indeed be challenging, but it's never too late to expand your social circle. One effective strategy is to engage in activities aligned with your interests such as joining clubs or taking classes. Attend local events, workshops, or community gatherings where you can meet new people who share similar hobbies. Another key is to leverage social media platforms that facilitate connections. This could include participating in online forums or groups related to your interests, where you can engage with others and possibly turn online interactions into real-life friendships. Don't overlook the power of networking, both professionally and personally. Connecting with colleagues can often lead to unexpected friendships. It is important to approach new friendships with an open mind and a genuine interest in others. Ask questions, listen actively, and be transparent about your thoughts and feelings. Remember that building friendships takes time and effort, so be patient and don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks. Lastly, prioritizing quality over quantity in friendships can lead to more meaningful and supportive relationships. Seek connections that fulfill you emotionally and are centered around mutual respect and shared values. Embrace the journey of making new friends as an enriching part of your adult life!

277 comments

RaeIsQueen505's images
RaeIsQueen505

I no longer bother to do so.

Fawzi Gramajo's images
Fawzi Gramajo

It’s tough making friends, especially when they are on their phones all the time. It’s essential to listen to others more and speak less. A compliment might even make someone’s day.

See more comments

Related posts

A Google Calendar screen shows an event creation pop-up for a 'Dr Appt' on November 7. Overlaid text reads 'ADULTING 101' and 'appts you should schedule now!', emphasizing the importance of scheduling adult appointments.
A woman in a medical setting drinks from a juice box. Text highlights 'ANNUAL EXAM' for routine health checks and 'DENTAL' for bi-annual cleanings to prevent cavities and gum disease.
A hand holds a tube of Tretinoin cream, with a Cetaphil bottle in the background. Text advises 'EYE EXAM' every 1-2 years and 'DERMATOLOGIST' for full-body checks, acne control, and anti-aging.
appointments you should make as an adult!!
Okay I was SO bad at putting the right appointments on the calendar after I graduated... It honestly took me until last year to get all these things in place! Without school requiring that I get an annual wellness exam, I never really made it a priority to establish care with a primary care provide
Sarah Jolie 🌸

Sarah Jolie 🌸

6937 likes

How do you make friends as an adult?
Seriously how do people meet friends as an adult? Are you all going to some club I don’t know about lol?! #microonfluencer #Lemon8Diary #friends #adultingthings #making friends as a adult.
littlemorgii

littlemorgii

3 likes

A white bookshelf filled with various manga volumes, featuring a torn white paper overlay with pink text that reads "Manga to read if you're 20+". The image promotes manga recommendations for young adults.
The cover of "Nana" manga volume 1, showing a woman sitting in a room. A pink text box describes the plot: two women named Nana become roommates in Tokyo, navigating love, fame, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
The cover of "Tokyo Tarareba Girls" manga volume 1, depicting three women. A pink text box describes the plot: Rinko and her friends, single women in their 30s, reflect on past loves and lives, exploring womanhood and finding happiness.
Mangas to Read as a Young Adult
Your 20s are messy, beautiful, and confusing — and these stories get it. These mangas capture the bittersweet chaos of growing up. 🌸 Each one explores love, friendship, and identity in a way that feels so real it hurts a little, but in the best way. 💔 Whether you’re lost, healing, or just trying
Lina 🪷

Lina 🪷

1625 likes

A person's legs and feet are visible on an escalator, with a brown bag beside them. Overlay text reads: "4 NORMAL EFFECTS OF ADULT ADHD my 'aha moments'". The image has a slightly desaturated, moody filter.
A person in a red t-shirt holding a drink is shown from the chest down. Overlay text discusses "sensory overload," its effects (overstimulated meltdowns, shutting down), and common causes (loud noises, bright lights, crowds).
A person holds a tabby cat, with a white door and wooden paneling in the background. Overlay text discusses "mental health" struggles, emotional dysregulation, and common causes like an underactive prefrontal cortex.
adult adhd “aha” moments (especially as a woman)
when i found out i had ADHD, it was like someone turned on the lights in a room i didn’t even know was dark for my whole life 😅 all of a sudden all of my quirks, difficulties, and idiosyncrasies came together into a picture that finally made sense!! it was such an aha moment - all of the guilt
carley ◡̈

carley ◡̈

2198 likes

Gifts that make me happy as an adult
#lemon8diarychallenge The older I get, the more obsessed I get with home decor. Anytime I’m asked what I want as a gift I lean towards home items 😩 I can’t be the only one, right? #lemon8challenge #homefinds #homedecor #furniture @Lemon8 Home @Captain Lemon8 @Lemo
Epiphany’s World

Epiphany’s World

1007 likes

How do you make friends as an Adult
Honestly moving to the Midwest has been one of the scariest things I have ever done. And as much as I have loved it I have no girl friends my boyfriends group has kinda adopted me but when they go out and have a boys night I’m left alone and would love to have a friend to do things with but being a
Becca Roy

Becca Roy

4 likes

A close-up selfie shows two smiling women, one with curly light brown hair and a black top, and the other partially visible with straight dark hair. Both are smiling broadly, showing their teeth, with a Lemon8 watermark in the corner.
How do 30-40 year olds make friends in a new city?
@Lemon8comment #letschat I am 34 years old and that picture up there that I chose is a picture of me and my “best friend” since we were 7, but haven’t seen one another for 8 years. I have lived in a new city, new state, for 4.5 years so far and have not made 1 close girlfriend. I don’t
Brianna Masneri

Brianna Masneri

6 likes

How To Make Friends as an Adult – Real Tips ...
How To Make Friends as an Adult – Real Tips That Actually Work! Struggling to make friends as an adult? You’re not alone! Discover practical tips for meeting new people, starting conversations, and building meaningful connections—even with a busy schedule. It’s never too late to grow your socia
You Are Not Alone

You Are Not Alone

1 like

The cover of David Richo's book, "How to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving," a 20th Anniversary Edition. Text overlays indicate "CURRENT READ day 3 Book Highlight Takeaways."
An open page from the book "How to Be an Adult in Relationships," titled "THE FIVE A'S: THE KEYS THAT OPEN US." The text discusses attention, acceptance, appreciation, affection, and allowing in relationships.
An open page from the book "How to Be an Adult in Relationships," titled "2 | LOVE AND LESS." The text discusses the human need for validation and the role of the five A's in experiencing emotions fully.
✨Navigating Adult Relationships ✨
David Richo's "How to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving" teaches the essentials of mature relationships through attention, acceptance, appreciation, affection, and allowance. By being present, embracing your partner as they are, showing gratitude, expressing
Bri (Nicole)Lee

Bri (Nicole)Lee

1322 likes

HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS AS AN ADULT
In honor of Galentine’s Day, in my latest blog post I shared some tips on how I (as someone who has moved to two different states in my adult life) have made new friends as an adult. Here’s a recap so anyone who is looking to make some friends can be inspired to do so: • Reach out to folks you a
Daijah Janae 🖤

Daijah Janae 🖤

71 likes

How to make friends as an adult?
33 years old and no friends in my area that I could actually hang out with I think I’m a pretty social person and I used to have a lot of friends when I was in the Jehovah’s Witness organization, but ever since leaving all my friends have shunned me and no longer speak to me Being a stay at home mo
RARi Verse

RARi Verse

1 like

Two women in swimsuits pose on a jet ski at sunset, with one raising her leg and the other making a peace sign. Overlay text reads "POV: you finally found your Best Friend," emphasizing the joy of a new friendship.
Two women in athletic wear pose on a tennis court, holding rackets and smiling. Overlay text discusses the challenge of making genuine friendships as an adult, highlighting the article's theme.
Two women in white robes enjoy an outdoor breakfast with a scenic ocean view. Overlay text states that making friends may not be as hard as one thinks, encouraging openness to connections.
HOW TO FIND A BEST FRIEND AS AN ADULT 🌷🤍
𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎, 𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋𝐒 🦢 I thought it would be great to have an open discussion about making friends as an adult. 🌷 This task can seem discouraging as we get older because you may feel like it is awkward or you may not know where to start. ☁️ 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙏𝙍𝙐𝙏𝙃 𝘼𝘽𝙊𝙐𝙏 𝙈𝘼𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙁𝙍𝙄𝙀𝙉𝘿𝙎 🫖 NOT SO BAD - It
Tyra Reneé

Tyra Reneé

484 likes

5 Tips to Make Friends (as an adult)
I hear so many people talk about how hard it is to make new friends once you’re an adult. Hopefully these tips will make it a little easier #makingnewfriends #meetnewpeople #getoutside #frienddate #adulting101
Ellie Mariyo

Ellie Mariyo

32 likes

How do you make friends as an adult?
What suggestions on ways to make new friends do you have? I feel like I have such a small friend group and many of my friends are busy most of the time so I would like to have more people to talk to. #needsmorefriends #trying to make more friends #AskLemon8 #making friends as a adult.
Buffy

Buffy

1 like

How do you make friends best as an adult?
Is this the new TikTok? Let’s be friends on Lemon8 ❤️ #embracevulnerability #lemon8challenge #Lemon8Diary #shareyourthoughts #letschat
Bai

Bai

6 likes

So you’re an adult now: here’s what to know
Being 25 means realizing there’s a lot no one really taught you… like how to file taxes, check your oil, or even read a lease before signing it. Adulting can feel overwhelming, but it gets easier once you start learning the basics. Knowing how to budget, cook a few solid meals, and keep your car
Megann Louise

Megann Louise

585 likes

Making friends as an adult
I don’t want to know your favorite color, I want to know if you have abandonment issues 🫶🏻 #adultfriends #relatable
Hailey Ranae

Hailey Ranae

87 likes

making adult friendships🤍✨
Dana Basta

Dana Basta

38 likes

How to grocery shop like an adult
Here is how to grocery shop in a way that prevents impulse purchases, and stops you from buying things you already have:) #grocerylistideas #groceryshopping #lifestyle2023 #organizationhacks #bigsisteradvice
Your big sister

Your big sister

14.2K likes

How do adults make friends
Sooo…. I am 23 and have no friends. All of my high school friends have gone on and have lives of their own and we all lost touch( i totally understand we all have different lives) but I don’t know how to makes friends as an adult I work from home ( which don’t help) and I have a little one. If anyo
Kaci Joiner

Kaci Joiner

3 likes

How to Honor Your Parents as an Adult: 3 Ways
As we get older, honoring our parents may look different than it did when we were kids. God calls us to respect and cherish them, no matter our age. Here are 3 ways to honor your parents as an adult while remaining in a state of maturity and respect for them. ☕️ Continue to ask them for their ad
mandiee.marie

mandiee.marie

76 likes

How to grocery shop like an adult
6-1 Grocery Shopping Method The grocery shopping method helps people save money because it directs you to purchase healthier and more affordable items. Vegetables can be frozen, fresh, prepared, or salad mixes. Fruits aren’t just apples and bananas but cucumbers, avocados and bell peppers, to
J.summer

J.summer

9 likes

Tips for making friends as an adult?
2024 was straight chaos. The whole year was a lesson. During the chaos, I was able to move cities to Orlando, FL (yay 🥳). The only problem is making friends as an adult is soooooo hard. Especially when you work a 9-5. On top of that my job is very physical so I’m always tired. I’ve tried to fin
Shana 🦋

Shana 🦋

8 likes

Balancing your ADULT LIFE🫠 6 steps
🌟 FOLLOW FEMPSS GIRL 🌟 **FINANCIAL** Make sure you're tracking your finances. Take a look at your statements and KNOW what your expenses are. Set up financial plans to get out of the rut you’re finding yourself in. Sacrificing now will get you to a better, stronger position later. In this l
Lauren Butia

Lauren Butia

38 likes

Dear Diary , How do you make friends as an adult ?
#lemon8diarychallenge Dear diary , as an adult I find actually meeting new people and making #friends to be such an awkward interaction . Nowadays people are weird as HELL 🙃 and tbh don’t always have good intentions. How do you guys meet friends as adults ? What kind of friends do you e
Sourlemon Diary

Sourlemon Diary

57 likes

Two women in white robes and slippers walk down a hotel-like hallway, with text "Normalizing Adult Sleepovers An 'Outside' Alternative" overlaid, setting the theme for girls' night sleepover ideas.
Four women in pink satin pajamas, enjoying wine, snacks, and a movie night, illustrating a "Soft Life Slumber" themed adult sleepover with wine tasting and candle-making.
Women in pajamas and robes engage in journaling, crafting, and intimate conversations, showcasing a "Girl Talk & Gratitude" sleepover with R&B music and sharing weekly wins and lessons.
Normalizing Adult Sleepovers 🌸
One thing about it, Me and my girls LOVE a good debrief sleepover. Especially after a hard work week. Scroll to see how you can create an alternative to being “outside” & incorporate sleepovers into your girls’ night plans. #sleepoverwithfriends #ideas #blackgirllemon8 #inspo #girl
TheGirlfriendsGuide

TheGirlfriendsGuide

3408 likes

Apps I love as an adult ADHD ✨🌸
📚 BeFreed This ADHD-friendly book summary app has honestly changed how I read. It turns nonfiction into 30-min summaries, 20-min podcast explainers, and even 10-min flashcards that actually stick. I’ve finished more books this month than I probably have all year—zero guilt, zero overwhelm. If your
your glow era 📖🕯️🌟

your glow era 📖🕯️🌟

167 likes

The cover of the book "How to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving" by David Richo, 20th Anniversary Edition, resting on a white fabric surface with purple lighting.
A book page featuring a chart titled "The Five A's" that compares "How to Love an Introvert" and "How to Love an Extrovert" across categories: Attention, Acceptance, Affection, Appreciation, and Allowing.
A book page with highlighted text discussing how to overcome self-doubt by acting lovingly, focusing on loving intent, and showing the five A's to others to feel loved and lovable.
How to Be an Adult in Relationships
‼️This book revealed something I had ignored for years: that most of our relationship struggles don't begin in the relationship, they begin within us. It helped me understand how my past wounds shaped the way I give and receive love. ✨It doesn't teach tricks to attract someone or fix other
Ashleyt888

Ashleyt888

1715 likes

How to make friends as an adult?!?!
Lemon8 I need help!!! My best friend just moved 900+ miles away and she was really the only friend I spent time with. I’m 30 years old and work a full time job and I have no idea where to even start with making new friends - I’m fairly introverted so I’ve just started even getting out in public
Lex

Lex

6 likes

tips for building new connections as an adult ⚡️
Making friends as an adult can feel extremely hard, especially when you're navigating a world that often feels focused on superficial connections. As believers, we desire friendships rooted in faith, trust, and shared values, which can make the process of finding new ones even more challenging.
mandiee.marie

mandiee.marie

86 likes

MAKING FRIENDS AS AN ADULT!!
Random Thoughts 💭What's on my mind: As I’ve gotten older I noticed how hard it’s become to make friends to connect with new people and even when you try it’s an endless one way street of you trying to make conversations and them giving short responses most of the time. On top of all that Be
Rey

Rey

11 likes

A young woman with long dark hair and a green and white jacket holds a drink. Overlay text reads "MAKING FRIENDS AS AN ADULT IS VERY HARD😩" and "READ CAPTION," reflecting the article's theme about the challenges of adult friendships. A Lemon8 logo is visible.
Making Friends as an Adult is Very Hard😩
I always felt like I don’t need friends and I don’t want friends. But the older I get I realized I don’t know how to make any. Im 23 and I feel like I just don’t relate to anyone. I don’t follow and upkeep with trends to talk about . Idk if I’m closed off or what Idk how to go about it 😩😩😩#making f
Chyna Nijae🩷

Chyna Nijae🩷

437 likes

How to make friends while traveling
People talk about how it's harder to make friends as an adult, and here to break the hard news...they're not 100% wrong. When I started solo traveling, one of my main goals was to make new friends. I wasn't sure how I was going to do it but I was going to get it done. It took some t
foxbunnycountry

foxbunnycountry

10 likes

Learning to swim as an adult
Don’t be too scared to try new things you just may be a lot better than you think. These are clips after my second swim lesson. I started only knowing how to swim on my back #swimmingvibes #swimming #newhobbies #learningtoswim #innerchildhealing
Rebecca Zahara

Rebecca Zahara

63 likes

The friends you make as an adult matter most ☺️🫶🏾
Consciously choosing to have you in my life not by childhood but by life choices is more important to me than empty friendships. #friendship #LoveYourself #embracevulnerability #unfiltered #travel
Sandra Zo

Sandra Zo

54 likes

How Do You Make Friends As an Adult? 🤔✨
Let’s be honest—making friends as an adult is HARD 😅. Remember when friendship was as easy as sharing your crayons or picking the same partner in gym class? Now it feels like everyone already has their squad, and I’m here like… “Uh, how do I even start? 🫣” Do I strike up a convo at the coffee sh
taekkoji

taekkoji

3 likes

7 ways to help your adult child heal…from you!
The onus is on the parent to restore the relationship if it can be restored. However, even if it cannot be restored the parent, you, have to heal your own past otherwise there is no hope for the future. When you’re ready, I strongly recommend that you get my Top 10 bestselling book, There’s a hole
BadassCounseling

BadassCounseling

20 likes

See more