How to Make Friends As An Adult (without a phone)

The older you become, the more important good, healthy relationships are. They are scientifically linked to your happiness and health. More than familial relationships. Check out these tips from friendship experts. Who knows: you next best friend might be closer than you think.

Get in a positive, growth mindset.

The way we perceive the world frames our entire lives. Board-certified psychiatrist, Roxanna Namavar, says that when we approach any social setting or try and make new friends with negativity, we won’t find much success or happy outcome.

Consider turning a co-worker into an out-of-office friend

We spend a lot of time at work, and along other co-workers: lining them up to easily become your next real-life friend. Just be sure to consider professional and personal boundaries. Psychologist Marisa G. Franco says any successful relationship contains: consistent interaction, vulnerability and positive emotions.

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Find a community with the same interests

Research local group activities and see how you can tap into it. If you find something interesting it might be your chance to create strong friendships. Look for a busy coffee shop or sign up to a workout class or volunteer or get involved at a social club.

Stay curious, be willing to try new things

Making friends does not come easy – or with the flick of the wrist. Making friends requires intention and to push yourself out your comfort zone. It can be intimidating, but a lasting friendship is good for your mental and physical health, and overall feelings of happiness.

Put the phone down and try to look approachable

This step may be very difficult for some, but the honest truth is that you can’t make real friends at arm’s length. SELF writes that technology can ‘interfere with our ability to meet new people’. “If I’m scanning a room and trying to make eyes with someone who seems warm, and I see that they look either disinterested or super busy, I’m probably not going to bother them,” says friendship coach and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson.

Don’t scratch off your long-distance friends

While you embark on this quest to find new friends, do not forget the ones you already have, even if they live far away. But keeping the flame on your existing friendships sounds like work – guess what – it is. Those who believe that friendships should be easy to mains, were lonelier than those who made the effort. This is according to a study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. CBS News writes, that you should skip the hour-long update and just spend time together: without the pressure of giving each other the whole rundown.

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Remember this all takes time. Allow the process to follow and for things to fall into place. Do not force things that you have a bad gut feeling about.