Alexa, play Saweetie’s “Best Friend.” But… what if you don’t have a best friend? Trust, you’re not alone. Figuring out how to make friends as an adult can be super hard… and just downright awkward. Chances are you won’t be making any besties at the Starbucks drive-thru or in the cereal aisle at Target — there’s only so much bonding that can happen over a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. We get it — it’s not as simple as sharing crayons in kindergarten class (You like pink? I like pink!), but making pals post-college can (and does!) happen. You might not have a homeroom class or a college dorm to help spark conversation, but connections can certainly sprout in unexpected places — from the dance floor of DivaDance to late-night debates in Facebook interest groups. Whether rebooting your social circle or simply broadening your horizons, remember that the best friendships often start with a shared laugh, a mutual interest, and maybe a dash of coffee (or rosé). Don’t be shy — check out the following ideas on how to make friends as an adult.
Dance your way to new friends with DivaDance
DivaDance is so much more than your average adult dance class (though our instructors do teach some fierce all-levels choreo, just sayin’). One of the cornerstones of DivaDance is community — that’s why we kick off each class with a community question, so y’all can dig deep and really get to know one another! Bonus: DivaDance memberships come with endless social opportunities, including monthly get-togethers and DivaDates (everything from happy hour to paint-and-sip hangouts) so you can more easily make friends as an adult with folks who have similar interests! Find a DivaDance location near you.
READ: 8 DivaDates We’re Obsessed With
Reconnect with your roots in alumni groups
If you’re looking to bond over shared alma mater memories (and maybe some questionable late-night pizza runs), join your college or sorority’s alumni group. These gatherings are golden opportunities to swap stories, reminisce, and meet people who understand why your school’s mascot is tattooed on your heart. Check out meetup.com or your college or sorority’s primary websites for alumni information.
Empower yourself and others with Beauty Boost
Join The Beauty Boost community, where empowerment and friendship blend together. Whether it’s through fitness events, networking sessions, or wellness workshops, you’ll find strong, supportive folks ready to welcome you with open arms. Plus, you’ll leave feeling like you can conquer the world — or at least Monday mornings.
Network like a boss at a professional organization
Career-centered organizations like Chief, the leading professional network for women executives, offers a platform to connect with ambitious individuals aiming for the stars. Here, the conversations are as inspiring as they are career-enhancing. Get ready to build a network that works as hard as you do.
Find your vibe in Facebook groups
Gone are the days when Facebook was just for stalking your high school crush. Now, it’s a gateway to literally tons of groups based on shared interests and every topic under the sun, whether you’re into knitting, dog photography, obscure fandoms, or advocacy. Dive into discussions, and soon you’ll find yourself surrounded by a virtual circle of friends who totally get your love for ’90s cartoons.
Expand your horizons with local meetups
Step out of your comfort zone and attend local meetup events that pique your curiosity, from hiking clubs to book circles. Each event is like a mini-adventure where you’ll discover new activities and, hopefully, a squad to enjoy them with. Meetup.com offers tons of options!
Volunteer for a cause close to your heart
Not only will volunteering boost your karma points, but you’ll also meet generous, community-minded folks who are eager to make a difference. Whether it’s at an animal shelter or a community garden, you’ll bond over shared goals and make feel-good memories.
Host a game night
If you’re a homebody who loves a good board game, invite neighbors or coworkers over for a night of friendly competition. Laughter over a game of charades or a tense round of Codenames is the perfect backdrop for forming lasting friendships. Just remember, Monopoly has been known to end some alliances, so play at your own risk.
So, there you have it — eight out-of-the-box ways to expand your circle, make friends as an adult, and maybe even shake up your social routine a bit. Who knew adulting could be this much fun? Remember, the best friendships often start with a shared laugh (or a shared dance floor).
