It might seem difficult to meet people at first, but the reality is almost everyone would be happy to have another great companion in their lives. Keep these tips in mind as you try to make potential new friends:

- __Attend social gatherings__. If you keep to yourself all the time, you’ll find it next to impossible to meet others. Try going to bars or local music venues. Consider attending a book club. Reach out to like-minded people and see if they might want to connect. If you just moved to a new city, seek groups of people who share your hobbies. For example, you might join a gym, take a jewelry-making class, or enroll in a foreign language class. 
- __Connect with people you already know__. You might already have a phone number for a potential new friend in your contacts list. Perhaps you could connect on a deeper level with one of your coworkers. Maybe you could rekindle a relationship with an old friend from high school. In the age of social media, you can easily reach out to people you know even in a tangential way. 
- __Get outside your comfort zone__. It’s normal to feel some amount of social anxiety when trying to make new friends. Making small talk with a stranger can be nerve-racking for anyone. Whether you’re an [introvert](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/introversion) or an <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-an-extrovert' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-an-extrovert","linkCopy":"extrovert","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>extrovert</a>, do your best to implement positive social skills. Use open [body language](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-read-body-language). Make eye contact. [Listen](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-a-better-listener) as much as you speak. Always be yourself regardless. 
- __Pursue your interests__. You’ll have an easier time meeting your next best friend if you both share similar interests. When you meet someone on the same wavelength as you, it’s easier to form an organic bond. Many social gatherings revolve around people coming together in light of a common goal or passion. For example, if you’re an athlete, try joining an amateur sports team. If you like comedy, give an [improv](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/improv-comedy-explained) class a try. 
- __Use apps suited to social connection__. You can meet new friends from the comfort of your own home. Try [networking](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/networking-tips-guide) apps designed to connect people on a platonic level. You can start your new [friendship](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/value-of-friendship) online and then allow it to blossom further in person. Exercise caution while taking this approach—it’s possible people might misrepresent their true identities online. 
Making friends is just the beginning—keeping these relationships going requires effort from both people. These tips will help you be a good friend to others:

- __Handle conflict with grace__. Real life can get messy, and even the most lasting friendships might go through disruptive periods of [conflict](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-resolve-conflict). Odds are, you’ll be unable to see eye to eye with your friend at one point or another. In circumstances like these, remember you can stand your ground while also respecting their viewpoints. Try to work out compromises with each other as you navigate any [interpersonal](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/interpersonal-skills-definition) issues.
- __Keep your word__. True friends maintain a policy of honesty through thick and thin. Keep your promises and follow through on what you say you will. Refrain from gossiping about your friend with other members of your social circle. If they hear you’ve been talking behind their back, their [self-esteem](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-esteem) will suffer. Not to mention, they’ll lose a great deal of [trust](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/building-trust) in your friendship as well. 
- __Maintain balance__. The best friendships rely on a mutual degree of give and take. Be a good listener without falling into the trap of becoming a [people pleaser](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/people-pleaser). Provide your friend with solace in times of trouble but attend to your own [mental health](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health) and well-being, too. Spend time together while making space for yourselves as individuals.
- __Reach out on the regular__. Close friends follow up with each other when one messages or calls the other. Keep a steady flow of [communication](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills) going to remind your friends you care about them. Especially in the early stages of friendship, make sure to give them space as well. Too many texts or calls all at once can be suffocating and intimidating. In general, allow your friend to reach back out to you after you make contact, as opposed to repeatedly calling or texting them.
- __Share experiences__. You and your friends likely have a multitude of common interests. Find events you can attend based on these shared passions. Get together to enjoy concerts, movies, sporting events, and more. As you create memories to last a lifetime, you’ll build an even stronger bond on top of your friendship’s initial foundation.
Figuring out what you want to do next and how to get there? Learn how to embrace your passions with a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and find the grit to take control of your life with exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Robin Arzón, Elaine Welteroth, Hillary Rodham Clinton, RuPaul, and more.
Making new friends can feel like an uphill battle, especially as you enter adulthood. In high school and college, you have constant access to social spaces conducive to sparking new friendships. As you get older, you must make more of an effort to find these sorts of environments yourself. Learn more about how to make friends and keep them.

Making new friends can feel like an uphill battle, especially as you enter adulthood. In high school and college, you have constant access to social spaces conducive to sparking new friendships. As you get older, you must make more of an effort to find these sorts of environments yourself. Learn more about how to make friends and keep them.

How to Make Friends: Tips for Cultivating Adult Friendships

It might seem difficult to meet people at first, but the reality is almost everyone would be happy to have another great companion in their lives. Keep these tips in mind as you try to make potential new friends:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Attend social gatherings. If you keep to yourself all the time, you’ll find it next to impossible to meet others. Try going to bars or local music venues. Consider attending a book club. Reach out to like-minded people and see if they might want to connect. If you just moved to a new city, seek groups of people who share your hobbies. For example, you might join a gym, take a jewelry-making class, or enroll in a foreign language class. </li><li class="">Connect with people you already know. You might already have a phone number for a potential new friend in your contacts list. Perhaps you could connect on a deeper level with one of your coworkers. Maybe you could rekindle a relationship with an old friend from high school. In the age of social media, you can easily reach out to people you know even in a tangential way. </li><li class="">Get outside your comfort zone. It’s normal to feel some amount of social anxiety when trying to make new friends. Making small talk with a stranger can be nerve-racking for anyone. Whether you’re an <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/introversion' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/introversion","linkCopy":"introvert","category":null}'>introvert</a> or an <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-an-extrovert' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/what-is-an-extrovert","linkCopy":"extrovert","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>extrovert</a>, do your best to implement positive social skills. Use open <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-read-body-language' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-read-body-language","linkCopy":"body language","category":null}'>body language</a>. Make eye contact. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-a-better-listener' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-be-a-better-listener","linkCopy":"Listen","category":null}'>Listen</a> as much as you speak. Always be yourself regardless. </li><li class="">Pursue your interests. You’ll have an easier time meeting your next best friend if you both share similar interests. When you meet someone on the same wavelength as you, it’s easier to form an organic bond. Many social gatherings revolve around people coming together in light of a common goal or passion. For example, if you’re an athlete, try joining an amateur sports team. If you like comedy, give an <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/improv-comedy-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/improv-comedy-explained","linkCopy":"improv","category":null}'>improv</a> class a try. </li><li class="">Use apps suited to social connection. You can meet new friends from the comfort of your own home. Try <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/networking-tips-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/networking-tips-guide","linkCopy":"networking","category":null}'>networking</a> apps designed to connect people on a platonic level. You can start your new <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/value-of-friendship' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/value-of-friendship","linkCopy":"friendship","category":null}'>friendship</a> online and then allow it to blossom further in person. Exercise caution while taking this approach—it’s possible people might misrepresent their true identities online. </li></ul>

How to Make Friends

Making friends is just the beginning—keeping these relationships going requires effort from both people. These tips will help you be a good friend to others:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Handle conflict with grace. Real life can get messy, and even the most lasting friendships might go through disruptive periods of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-resolve-conflict' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-resolve-conflict","linkCopy":"conflict","category":null}'>conflict</a>. Odds are, you’ll be unable to see eye to eye with your friend at one point or another. In circumstances like these, remember you can stand your ground while also respecting their viewpoints. Try to work out compromises with each other as you navigate any <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/interpersonal-skills-definition' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/interpersonal-skills-definition","linkCopy":"interpersonal","category":null}'>interpersonal</a> issues. </li><li class="">Keep your word. True friends maintain a policy of honesty through thick and thin. Keep your promises and follow through on what you say you will. Refrain from gossiping about your friend with other members of your social circle. If they hear you’ve been talking behind their back, their <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-esteem' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-esteem","linkCopy":"self-esteem","category":null}'>self-esteem</a> will suffer. Not to mention, they’ll lose a great deal of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/building-trust' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/building-trust","linkCopy":"trust","category":null}'>trust</a> in your friendship as well. </li><li class="">Maintain balance. The best friendships rely on a mutual degree of give and take. Be a good listener without falling into the trap of becoming a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/people-pleaser' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/people-pleaser","linkCopy":"people pleaser","category":null}'>people pleaser</a>. Provide your friend with solace in times of trouble but attend to your own <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-mental-health","linkCopy":"mental health","category":null}'>mental health</a> and well-being, too. Spend time together while making space for yourselves as individuals. </li><li class="">Reach out on the regular. Close friends follow up with each other when one messages or calls the other. Keep a steady flow of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills","linkCopy":"communication","category":null}'>communication</a> going to remind your friends you care about them. Especially in the early stages of friendship, make sure to give them space as well. Too many texts or calls all at once can be suffocating and intimidating. In general, allow your friend to reach back out to you after you make contact, as opposed to repeatedly calling or texting them. </li><li class="">Share experiences. You and your friends likely have a multitude of common interests. Find events you can attend based on these shared passions. Get together to enjoy concerts, movies, sporting events, and more. As you create memories to last a lifetime, you’ll build an even stronger bond on top of your friendship’s initial foundation. </li></ul>

How to Be a Good Friend

Figuring out what you want to do next and how to get there? Learn how to embrace your passions with a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and find the grit to take control of your life with exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Robin Arzón, Elaine Welteroth, Hillary Rodham Clinton, RuPaul, and more.

You’re Worth It

Making new friends can feel like an uphill battle, especially as you enter adulthood. In high school and college, you have constant access to social spaces conducive to sparking new friendships. As you get older, you must make more of an effort to find these sorts of environments yourself. Learn more about how to make friends and keep them.

Making new friends can feel like an uphill battle, especially as you enter adulthood. In high school and college, you have constant access to social spaces conducive to sparking new friendships. As you get older, you must make more of an effort to find these sorts of environments yourself. Learn more about how to make friends and keep them.
