How to make friends in your 20s after college

Have you just graduated from college, moved or started a new job, and even though you know you’re supposed to be happy, you still feel lonely? Taylor Swift said it well: 20s are a period of feeling “wretched and wondrous,” but where is that magic part? We know that the transition into the adult world can be tough, so we’re here to help. This article will tell you some easy and fun ways to make friends in your 20s. Read on to learn how to proactively make friends and find great friends.

Table of Contents

Attend local events and concerts

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Meet people with common interests by getting out and having fun. Think of it this way: Most of the people you want to hang out with will be where you want to be. Search social media and the local press in your city to see what’s going on. You can find live music performances, farmers markets, or theater shows, for example. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Don’t be afraid to go alone! This can motivate you because you need to talk to someone. Who knows, a question of the way can also bring you a new friend.
If you’re going to the event alone, let a trusted person know where you’re going. Be more careful.

Join a local club

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One of the best ways to make friends is through shared interests. From book clubs to soccer clubs, why isn’t there something for you out there? Let your interests and curiosity guide you, and you will meet people with similar interests.

You can find local clubs on the internet via Facebook and Meetup.com.
All you need to do is just search for the activity that interests you and where you live.
Pay attention to read the bulletin boards when out on the street. Some organizations and clubs have billboards advertising events and meetings in the city.

Get invitations from people more often

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Opening up to new opportunities is a great way to make friends. Would you be more mature if you refused almost anything? Take the opportunity and accept all offers – be reasonable, of course. For example, if your colleagues are out to lunch, try going with them. The more often you accept invitations, the better your chances of connecting with others. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Friendships are often built on close proximity and trust.
You’ll be asked out more often if people know you’re enthusiastic about almost anything.
Remember to set boundaries for yourself. You don’t have to accept all invitations, but it’s important to safely step out of your comfort zone when you’re trying to make friends.

Ask your friends to refer their friends

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Mutual friends can help you get into social life. If you’re moving to a new place, reach out to your family, friends, and social media followers to see if they have any connections. Ask if they have friends in the city who can recommend them to you on social media or in real life. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Here’s a little trick, but it’s great if you’re a little nervous about finding friends on your own. You trust your friend’s judgement, so a friend of theirs could easily become your friend!
Think of this as applying for a job, only you’re hoping to impress a friend instead of the employer.

Sign up for a class

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You can make friends while pursuing a passion or learning a new skill. After leaving university, you may find it a bit difficult to live a life that is not like it was in school. Friends with common interests used to sit next to you in class, but who says you can’t have that after 20? Sign up for a fitness class, a cooking class, or even a craft class.

For example, if you enjoy writing or reading, check out the library to see if they have a writing class or sign up for an upcoming debate session.
Curiosity can sometimes lead you to a lasting friendship if you follow it – not to mention you’ll learn something new along the way!

Introduce yourself to familiar faces

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A conversation with someone you know can also help you build friendships. There are many places that you go to every week: the gym, the coffee shop, the grocery store, the dog park, etc. After going to these places for a while, you will recognize familiar faces. belong through themselves. Maybe you smile or wave when you see them, so why not go a step further and introduce yourself? Who knows, you might have a new friend. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Start with a general compliment or comment like “You put the right amount of sugar in your coffee every time!” or “I love your leggings! Where did you buy it?”
Then introduce yourself and ask for their name.
Now you can call the person’s name to say hello every time you meet and start a conversation with them.

Volunteer for a cause you care about

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Find like-minded people through volunteering where you live. Volunteering is a great way to get out of your shell and contribute to the community. Not only will you meet new people, but you’ll also learn more about local and regional causes in general. Who knows, maybe you will find a close friend while serving in a charity kitchen? ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Visit your city’s website or talk to a neighbor to see if there are any charitable activities nearby.
You can also do a quick search online with the keyword “volunteer jobs [city name].”

Stay in touch with people you’ve met

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Regularly checking in with each other is crucial to making adult friends. You lead a busy life, and your future friend probably does too. After hanging out with someone new, ask for their phone number or social media account. That way, you can invite them out again or just ask. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Comment under their social media posts to show you care about their life.
Send a text asking if they want to go out for coffee or do some shopping this weekend.
Do not think too much. Just compose a message and press the send button. Self-disclosure does no harm to anyone.

Talk to colleagues

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You probably still talk to your co-workers on a daily basis – so why not be friends with them? Get close to a coworker you have a crush on, regardless of their age, to see where things lead you. You can invite them out for coffee or ask about the photo they put on their desk. By taking the time to express your intention to get to know someone, you can do wonders in cultivating a lasting friendship. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Compliments can also help, so don’t be afraid to compliment someone’s outfit or work ethic, or even their taste in music.
You can say something like, “I love your sweater! Where did you buy it?” or “You’re so orderly. Any advice for a lazy person like me?”
Remember to be yourself, and gradually friends will come to you.

Appear on social networks

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Bumble , Instagram , and Facebook are good friends that will help you find close friends. Don’t be afraid to look desperate when you post your wish to be friends online – many people will actually sympathize with you! Comment on people’s posts and send them a direct message to introduce yourself and find opportunities. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Try sending them a text like, “I saw you down the street the other day. Do you have any delicious food to recommend to me?” or “I love that bar! Are you going to watch a singing show together?”
The journey into your 20s may not be easy, but understand that you are not alone in facing the challenges of change!
Express yourself and express your feelings. This could lead you to a new friend.

Join activities with your lover’s friends

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Your lover may have friends who get along well with you. If you have a lover, hang out with a group of their friends. This is especially helpful if you are moving in or are moving closer to where they live. Ask if you can go out for a night out with all of them – go bowling, watch a movie or go out to eat, for example. Perhaps you will feel comfortable in a group you already know. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Your partner can act as a buffer if you feel nervous about meeting new people. You’ve got someone to lean on if the air gets awkward!

Schedule time with friends

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Make room in your daily schedule to connect with friends. New or old, your friends need the same attention as you do. Spending time together online or offline is also a way to strengthen friendships and show that you’re trustworthy. So, send a text “How are you?” or schedule a time to see them weekly or monthly. ^{[10] X Research Source}

This effort will help you cultivate lasting friendships, especially as you grow and change.
If you feel renewed and happy after meeting those friends, then they are worth the time you spend with them! A true friend is someone you want to meet because they make you feel good, both on the outside and on the inside.
Try scheduling a set time to see you each week for a few weeks. That way, both of you can stick to your schedule and have something to look forward to.

Learn to appreciate time alone

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Confidence is the key to navigating friendships in your 20s. The process of finding new friends will have its ups and downs, and it’s important that you have strong friendships with yourself first. Stay safe and be kind to yourself to motivate yourself whenever you feel lonely. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Remember that you are not alone when you feel that way. Then gradually you will find friends, just keep trying.
Maintain daily routines, go to classes, attend events and enjoy life. One day you will be surprised at the luck that suddenly comes to you when you are confident in yourself.

Please be patient

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It takes time to make friends, especially when you’re just entering adult life. God, you can’t sleep one night and wake up with friends by your side – if it was that easy, great! But persistence and patience are part of the fun. Friendships require hard work, and you’ll find the right person, as long as you keep trying. ^{[12] X Research Source}

Don’t give up, even if you feel down.
Keep looking, because you never know when your best friend will show up.
Change doesn’t happen overnight, and instead of getting discouraged, look at each day as a new opportunity to enjoy life and find the friends you’ve been waiting for.

Steps