How to Make Friends as an Adult: 7 Practical Tips That Actually Work

Let’s be real: making friends as an adult can feel awkward and downright intimidating. Between busy schedules, life transitions, and the fear of rejection, it’s no wonder so many women feel lonely or disconnected. But here’s the truth: meaningful friendships are possible at any stage of life—you just need the right tools and mindset to make it happen.

At Grown Up Girlfriends, we believe that life is better with girlfriends by your side. So, whether you’re a shy introvert, a busy mompreneur, or someone navigating a big life change, here are 7 practical tips to help you build genuine connections and find your people.

1. Start with a Friendship Audit

Before you dive into making new friends, take a moment to reflect on your current relationships. Ask yourself:

• What do I value most in a friendship?
• Which friendships are adding joy to my life, and which feel draining?
• What kind of connections am I craving right now?

Doing a friendship audit helps you get clear on what you want and need, so you can focus on building relationships that truly align with your values.

2. Embrace the Power of Small Talk

Small talk often gets a bad rap, but it’s the first step to deeper conversations. Whether you’re chatting with a coworker, a fellow mom at school pickup, or someone in a fitness class, start with simple, open-ended questions like:

• “What brought you here?”
• “How’s your week going so far?”
• “What’s one thing you’re excited about right now?”

These icebreakers make it easier to connect and set the stage for more meaningful conversations.

3. Say “Yes” to New Opportunities

Sometimes, the hardest part of making friends is putting yourself out there. Challenge yourself to say “yes” to at least one new social opportunity each week—whether it’s a networking event, a book club, or a casual coffee invite.

Remember, every “yes” is a chance to meet someone who could become a lifelong friend.

4. Be Intentional About Follow-Ups

How often have you met someone great, exchanged numbers, and then… nothing? Building friendships requires effort, so don’t be afraid to follow up. Send a quick text like:

• “Hey, I really enjoyed chatting with you at [event]! Want to grab coffee next week?”
• “I loved your perspective on [topic]. Let’s meet up soon to chat more!”

Friendships don’t just happen—they’re built through consistent effort and follow-through.

5. Join Communities That Align with Your Interests

One of the easiest ways to meet like-minded women is by joining communities or groups that share your passions. Love fitness? Try a local yoga studio or hiking group. Interested in personal growth? Look for workshops or online communities (like the Grown Up Girlfriends Club!).

When you surround yourself with people who share your values, connections happen naturally.

6. Let Go of Perfection

Here’s a secret: no one has it all figured out. If you’re worried about saying the wrong thing or coming across as “awkward,” give yourself some grace. Authenticity is far more important than perfection.

Be yourself, show genuine interest in others, and trust that the right people will appreciate you for who you are.

7. Take the First Step

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that friendships thrive when someone is willing to take the first step. Don’t wait for others to reach out—be bold and make the first move. Whether it’s sending a text, starting a conversation, or inviting someone to hang out, your initiative could be the start of something beautiful.

Your Next Step: Join the 5-Day Friendship Challenge!

Ready to put these tips into action? Join our FREE 5-Day Friendship Challenge and start building meaningful connections with confidence. Each day, you’ll receive a simple, actionable task to help you step out of your comfort zone and meet like-minded women.

👉 Sign Up for Free Here

Remember, making friends as an adult doesn’t have to be hard. With the right mindset and a little courage, you can create the kind of friendships that bring joy, support, and connection to your life.

What About You?

What’s one thing you’ve learned about making friends as an adult? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! 💬