1. Get out of your head.<\/h2>\n
It always amazes my husband that my girls can play effortlessly within minutes of meeting another child as if they have known them all their lives. Whether it\u2019s the local playground, beach, or a bus ride a thousand miles from our home, they can make instant friends. Yes, my girls have a natural outgoing disposition, but they don\u2019t overthink before they act. They aren\u2019t riddled with \u201cwhat-ifs\u201d or \u201cwhat will they think?\u201d Instead, another child is an opportunity to make a new friend!\u00a0<\/p>\n
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- How often have you typed an e-mail to a colleague asking to grab a bite only to delete it because you were worried they might think you were weird?<\/li>\n
- Have you ever walked across the playground to introduce yourself to another mom, only to stop mid-way, convincing yourself she probably has too many friends already and doesn\u2019t need another one?<\/li>\n
- Was there an empty chair on the bus, a spot at the table in the teacher\u2019s lounge, or free space at the end of the pew that you wanted desperately to take but you told yourself it would be too forward?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you want to make friendships as an adult, you must start thinking like a kid! Don\u2019t think about what could happen or even think past the introductions. Start with, \u201cHi, my name is,\u201d or \u201cIs this seat taken?\u201d or maybe, \u201cI just wanted to introduce myself.\u201d And let the conversation flow from there.\u00a0<\/p>\n
2. Make an effort to be involved in your community.\u00a0<\/h2>\n
I would be remiss if I didn\u2019t strongly encourage you to join a local church. Church is one of the best ways to make friendships. There\u2019s a good chance most people are Christians and, therefore, have a common interest: faith. This is a bonus as the hope would be with a shared faith, your priorities and extracurricular activities will focus on \u201cgood, clean fun.\u201d While this doesn\u2019t mean being members of the same church guarantees the same stance on engaging in certain activities, it\u2019s an excellent place to start.<\/p>\n
If you are already involved in a local church, consider joining a sports league, taking an art class, getting back into dancing, or reigniting your passion for another childhood pastime. There are numerous adult clubs, groups, and meetups; Facebook, Meetup.com, or a simple internet search will tell you how to get plugged in. Are you passionate about helping underprivileged youth? Do you feel a strong desire to help those less fortunate? Sign up to volunteer at a local charity or non-profit organization. Many big cities have festivals and events requiring staff and volunteers; consider helping. Not only will you meet other volunteers, but who knows who you might connect with in passing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
3. Reconnect with old friends and create new connections.<\/h2>\n
One great thing social media offers is an easy way to connect with old friends. With the ability to search by location, groups, and events, one can quickly see if a long-lost friend is in the area. A great way to meet new people in your community is through mutual connections with friends or acquaintances. There are also online book clubs, political forums, and interest groups through social media, and when meeting in person isn\u2019t an option, these provide social outlets, support, and connection.\u00a0<\/p>\n
4. Reach out to parents of your children\u2019s friends.<\/h2>\n
Listen, I know it is impossible to form relationships with every kid\u2019s parent your child talks to, especially if you have social kids like me. I am not advocating you form bonds with every parent out there, but pick a few of your child\u2019s closest friends and invite them over as a family. Like making friends at church, you already know that you have at least one thing in common: your children. Chances are, even if you are opposites, the deep desire to see your children happy and form friendships will help to foster friendships among the adults. At the very least, it will allow you to get to know your child\u2019s friends better.\u00a0<\/p>\n
5. Don\u2019t forget your neighbors.<\/h2>\n
In a world where it is becoming increasingly common to live years next to someone and never meet your neighbor, break the cycle, and knock on some doors. If cold calling your neighbors gives you hives, say hello at the mailbox, wave when they pull in their driveway, or pause the mower and introduce yourself next time they are outside. Neighborhood friends make some of the best relationships for multiple reasons. You have a built-in walking buddy, an impromptu game night companion, and, if you are lucky, a house sitter when you go on vacation. Only having to walk a few steps makes friendship rather effortless once you get past the initial pleasantries.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The reality is making friendships as an adult can be difficult. We are trying to balance our careers, marriages, families, and other responsibilities, all while working not wholly to lose ourselves in the middle of it all. It may take a few tries, but I suggest you get off your couch and make some friends; even if they don\u2019t become bosom buddies, you\u2019ll make some good memories in the meantime, which is well worth it!\u00a0<\/p>\n
Photo Credit: \u00a9Getty Images\/Rido Franz<\/span><\/p>\n
![\"Laura](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
<\/source><\/picture>Laura Bailey<\/strong><\/strong>\u00a0is a Bible teacher who challenges and encourages women to dive deep in the Scriptures, shift from an earthly to an eternal mindset, and filter life through the lens of God\u2019s Word. \u00a0She is the author of\u00a0Beyond the Noise,<\/a> and loves any opportunity to speak and teach women of all ages. She is a wife and momma to three young girls. Connect with her on her website, \u00a0www.LauraRBailey.com<\/a>, Facebook<\/a> and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/wbr><\/p>\n LISTEN: Being Complete in Jesus (Understanding Matthew 5:21-48)<\/h2>\n
Hearing Jesus is a devotional journey through the gospels, where we explore the teachings of Jesus chapter by chapter. If you’re seeking to live a life that reflects God’s, this podcast is for you.<\/p>\n
![\"Laura](\"https:\/\/i.swncdn.com\/media\/150w\/via\/19270-laurabailey.webp\")
<\/source><\/picture>Laura Bailey<\/strong><\/strong>\u00a0is a Bible teacher who challenges and encourages women to dive deep in the Scriptures, shift from an earthly to an eternal mindset, and filter life through the lens of God\u2019s Word. \u00a0She is the author of\u00a0