Finding friends generally as an adult is hard enough, let alone when you rarely leave the house.
There is no more school/college/uni/workplace in which you are forced to socialise and cling to what like-minded individuals you can find. You may also have found that all your old friends live in different, far away places because of university and jobs and family. Maybe you live in a different, far away place because of those reasons.
Just so you know, I’m not the queen of friendship over here; I’m okay at making them and I’m crap at keeping them, but I’ve come across some ways of finding potential buddies over the last few months and I thought I’d share them with you:
1. Use Facebook Groups!
This really is my number one way of finding friends. There are a huge number of Facebook Groups out there, so get out there! You could join local community groups, groups relevant to your work or industry, groups for people with the same hobbies as you. Be active in those groups; ask for advice and give advice, and reach out to connect with others.
2. Join a club
This is probably this tip everyone tells you, but it’s true. I’m not (currently) part of any club, but when I was younger I made loads of friends by joining my local amateur dramatics group! Meetup.com is great place for finding clubs and groups in your area.
3. Get a dog
No really though, not even kidding! Not only does having a dog actually encourage you to go outside and get some exercise, it is also a great way to make new friends. For example, you could join an obedience or agility class with your dog and make friends there, go to local dog shows and events, meet your dog-walking neighbours OR even join a Facebook Group based around the breed of your dog (we’re part of several French Bulldog groups on Facebook, and regularly go to meetups with our frenchie owners in Cornwall!).
4. Go to community events
All the fairs in the summer, Christmas markets and light switch ons, music events, pub quizzes – really anything! Yes, you may have to kick off conversation, but I’ve found it’s easy when you know you have something in common such as living in the same area.
5. Visit forums
There are loads of niche websites and forums out there for your hobbies, work industries and passions, where you can meet new people. Meeting people and making friends online isn’t always as weird as Catfish makes it out to be…
6. Take a course or class
Even if it’s just for an hour a week or an evening course, this is a great way to find people with the same interests and work ethic as yourself. You can even take a course online instead; there are lots of online courses that also have student forums and discussion groups where you can network and meet people too.
7. Twitter chats
Find out if there are any local Twitter chats and get involved with those (these are also great for finding out what’s going on in your town), or keep an eye out for Twitter chats related to your interests or job (eg. there are writer’s chats and lawyer chats – you name it!).
Totally agree with the Facebook groups and class ideas!! I’m in the same boat as you are, I think, at the minute. Full-time freelancing leaves a lot of time on your own and a lot of evenings with just myself and the boyfriend. Another thing that I’m doing more of that I used to ignore is spending more time with the friends that I do have here! It makes a huge difference for your sanity xx
Ahh I’m exactly the same Sarah! I rarely see anyone other than my boyfriend and dog haha. If only we lived nearer, then we could be freelancing buddies! x
Hahaha I know!!! Virtual freelancing buddies? xx
Of course! :) x
Planning a move to live in a new city is daunting, but I’m quite good at throwing myself into the action and keeping busy, which usually results in making friends quite quickly! :) Alice xx
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That’s good! You’re very easy to make friends with I must say :) It seems like it must come quite easily to you as you’re very chatty and friendly. Sometimes I struggle with thinking of things to say, and sometimes stuff comes out of my mouth and I’m like ‘dear God this person is never going to be friends with me now’ haha. xx
I’m hoping to sign up for a few creative classes and workshops here in my new city so I can meet new people. I figure it’s the best way to find new friends with the same interests as me! It’s so, so hard :(
Awh best of luck Emily! I’m sure you’ll find people that way :) Try looking for Facebook groups in your city too maybe? It’s a lonely world sometimes Dx
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