{"id":8385,"date":"2026-01-28T15:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T20:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/?p=8385"},"modified":"2026-01-28T15:05:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T20:05:12","slug":"how-to-make-friends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/blog\/how-to-make-friends\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make friends as an adult"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do you ever look back on your school days and marvel at how easy it was to make new friends? Sometimes it was as simple as complimenting someone\u2019s outfit or sharing your lunch. When did it get so complicated?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s be honest, making friends as an adult isn\u2019t always easy. Without an organized, daily community\u2014like school\u2014forming strong connections can feel daunting. Friendship takes time and intentionality, and adults who work full time or care for families often feel they have little of either to spare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yet, community and friendship are vitally important. They\u2019re biblical and essential for spiritual formation and mental health<\/a>. \u201cTwo are better than one \u2026 if either of them falls down, one can help the other up\u201d [Ecclesiastes 4:9\u201310, NIV]. With that in mind, here are six practical tips for building friendships<\/a> in adulthood:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Be open and approachable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For task-oriented people, small talk can feel more like a chore than a bridge to connection. But deep friendships rarely begin in the deep end\u2014they start with small, simple steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smiling, making eye contact, and saying hello signal that you\u2019re open to conversation. These brief interactions may feel insignificant, but they often pave the way for something meaningful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Show genuine interest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When someone expresses sincere curiosity and interest in your life, admit it\u2014it makes you feel valued. Now it\u2019s your turn to offer that same care. Be the friend you hope to have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scripture encourages us to \u201clet each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others\u201d<\/em> [Philippians 2:4, ESV]. Ask thoughtful questions, listen attentively, and remember details. The next time you see that person, ask how their interview went, how their dad is recovering from that surgery, or whether they tried that restaurant they mentioned. People feel seen when they\u2019re truly heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say you\u2019ll pray for someone, follow through. You might even jot notes on your phone to remember important details. Sending a text on the day of an important event or offering to show up for support when appropriate can go a long way. Consistent check-ins help relationships deepen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Start where you already are<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Friendships in school are often formed through forced proximity, and the same principle applies in adulthood. Look for connection within your existing routines\u2014church, work, volunteer opportunities, fitness classes, or hobbies you enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join that small group you\u2019ve been considering. Strike up a conversation with a coworker you admire. Start a book club with others who love to read. Shared experiences naturally create opportunities for connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If weekly commitments aren\u2019t realistic because of family or work responsibilities, build friendships around the rhythms you already have. Parents of young children can plan playdates. Caregivers can find community with others who understand the weight of that role. Even in isolating seasons, meaningful connection is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Be the initiator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re waiting for someone else to take a leap of faith toward friendship, you may end up waiting a while. Chances are, others feel just as nervous as you do. Take the risk\u2014invite someone for coffee, sit with someone new, or follow up after a good conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the first attempt doesn\u2019t work out, don\u2019t be discouraged. Suggest an alternative date or a different activity. Following up doesn\u2019t make you needy; it shows genuine interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Be authentic and vulnerable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve ever wondered whether you\u2019re too much, too awkward, or don\u2019t quite belong, you\u2019re not alone. Many people carry the same insecurities. Sometimes all it takes is one person willing to be fully themselves to break down those walls\u2014and that person could be you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authenticity invites trust and gives others permission to be real in return. Not everyone will connect with you, and that\u2019s okay. The right people will. You don\u2019t need to impress\u2014kindness and sincerity go a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Get out of your head<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re often far more critical of ourselves than others are. Fear of seeming awkward or rejection can keep us from reaching out. However, most people are too focused on how they\u2019re coming across to dwell on something weird you said hours ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, your attention likely made them feel noticed and valued. Let go of assumptions about how others perceive you and take the step toward connection. Meaningful friendships are often found on the other side of that risk.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Do you ever look back on your school days and marvel at how …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":8396,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[16],"class_list":{"0":"post-8385","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-uncategorized","8":"tag-members","9":"entry"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\r\nHow to make friends as an adult - Christian Healthcare Ministries<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Friendship takes time and intentionality, and adults who work full time or care for families often feel they have little of either to spare.\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/chministries.org\/blog\/how-to-make-friends\/\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to make friends as an adult - 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