Making Friends as an Adult: How to Build Meaningful Connections

Remember the first day of school? Many of us felt a mix of excitement and anxiety, but what we worried about the most was making friends. Back then, it was easy—common interests and shared spaces like school and extracurricular activities made connecting with others simple. But as an adult, things change.

In school, college, and early adulthood, you meet friends through shared experiences—whether that’s work, school, or mutual friends. But what happens when those avenues start to dwindle? You may find yourself working remotely, or your social circle from school or work has changed, leaving you wondering how to meet new people and form lasting friendships.

As we grow older, it becomes clear that the convenience of “friendship by proximity” no longer works. However, it’s not impossible to make new friends—it just takes a bit more effort and intentionality. Here’s a list of places where people just like you have successfully built meaningful friendships:

1. Gym or Fitness Classes

• Consider joining a class like Orange Theory, Title Boxing, or Pure Barre. A fitness routine brings people together with a shared goal of health and wellness.

2. Adult Recreation Leagues

• Check out local leagues for basketball, softball, kickball, or other team sports. Sports offer a great way to connect with others in a casual, fun environment.

3. Pursue a Hobby

• Whether it’s knitting, archery, painting, yoga, board games, or something else, joining a hobby group provides opportunities to meet people who share your interests.

4. Church or Spiritual Communities

• If you’re religious or spiritual, your local church might have young adult groups or leadership initiatives. If not, consider starting one! Spiritual spaces are a great place to find people who share your values.

5. Volunteer

• Volunteering is an excellent way to meet people while contributing to a cause. In Orlando, one of my favorite places to volunteer is Keep Orlando Beautiful, where I’ve met incredible people passionate about making a difference.

6. Meet-Ups

• Whether it’s a grand opening or a special event like those hosted by Yelp, meet-up groups are great for connecting with others who share your interests.

7. Coffee Shops & Bookstores

• Striking up a casual conversation in a coffee shop or bookstore is an easy way to meet people in a low-pressure setting. You'll have the environment in common, making it an ideal icebreaker.

The Importance of Intentional Connection

While meeting people may seem daunting, the real challenge lies in building long-term, meaningful friendships. Friendships formed by convenience—like those with classmates or coworkers—often don’t last once the shared circumstance fades away. What’s different about true friendships is the effort you put into them. When you seek out friendships, it requires vulnerability, intentionality, and curiosity about the other person’s life. Genuine connection is about being invested in someone else’s story, just as you’d want them to be in yours.

The best friendships are built on this mutual effort, making them more lasting and fulfilling. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.