Skip to main content
Lifestyle

How to Make Friends When You’re An Adult

How to Make Friends When You’re An Adult
Lily Shepherd
Editor8 years ago
View Lily Shepherd's profile

American sitcoms have given us seriously high – and probably unrealistic - expectations when it comes to making friends, especially as an adult. As we got older, we assumed we’d find a group of like-minded people and stick together, frequenting the same coffee shop every day (because none of us ever go to work, obviously) and having a fabulous time 24/7. Unfortunately, life doesn’t really work like that, does it?

You’ve been to university, and now you’ve moved a million miles away from your friends and family. You realise that the group of girls you spent the last few years bonding with are several hours away down the motorway – and that suddenly, you feel a little lonely.

Making friends as an adult seems considerably harder than as a child; whilst you may spend all day with your colleagues, you might not want to hang out with Steve from Accounts outside of the office. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, and wondering how to make friends when you’re a self-professed grown-up, MyBag is here to help…

Join a Gym

Gym

Getting fitter and gaining friends - what’s not to like? Join a local gym and sign up for the exercise classes before or after work – you’ll start to see similar faces each week, and will most likely develop a rapport with most of them. Soon you’ll be grabbing a post-workout kale smoothie together in no time!

Night School

Night School

Remember how close you were to all your friends at school? It’s time to recreate this – and learn a little something along the way, too. Go back to night school or take a course so you’re surrounded by people with a similar drive and motivation, then suggest an evening study group one night a week.

Start a Blog

Blog

The wonderful world of blogging is a fabulous place to make friends – it’s an extremely supportive and encouraging community, so if you’re feeling nervous, you’ll be reassured in no time. Pick a topic that’s interesting to you, and have a look around on social media to find groups of bloggers to join – if you’re up north, look at @NWBloggers on Twitter, and if you’re a female blogger, join @TheGirlGangHQ.

Leave Your Comfort Zone

Comfort Zone

Yes, really – it’s time to shake up your routine and get outside your comfort zone. Studies have shown that the reason children make friends easily is because they feel vulnerable in a school environment, so rally together;  so it’s time to try something that may not be second nature to you. Rock climbing, ice skating, paragliding – or even just going to a different restaurant for lunch – is the perfect place to seek solidarity with others, and make friends for life.

Take Up A New Hobby

Hobby

Is there something you’ve always wanted to try, but never gotten around to? Whether that’s learning to play an instrument, playing a team sport, life-drawing or absolutely anything else, now’s the time to do it. (Psst - MyBag are always there for you, so if you fancy a gossip, head over to our Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.)

To go with your fabulous new group of friends, you need a drop dead gorgeous new designer handbag. Have a look at some of our favourites below...

Lover of statement accessories, scented candles, anything pink and a little bit of sparkle. A Southern girl in Manchester, when I’m not drooling over designer handbags I can be found fashion blogging, or exploring my new Northern home. My signature look? A nude lip and a very flamboyant pair of shoes.
mbint