Did We Just Become Best Friends?

Apr 15

Cultivating Friendships in Adulthood

Spring is upon us — more sunlight, more energy, more time to do things… but with whom?

It’s a topic that comes up again and again in my sessions:
“I’m lonely — where can I meet people?”
“My partner and I want to hang out with other couples, but we don’t know anyone.”
“I just ended a relationship, and now I feel like I have no one.”

In adulthood, life is full – work, cooking, cleaning, parenting (or not?), therapy, exercise, grocery runs, and all that freaking laundry… Who has time to maintain friendships, let alone build new ones? As our relationships shift, we often find ourselves craving connection — but also judging ourselves for it.

What kind of loser doesn’t have friends?
Let me stop you right there.

Turns out, 1 in 3 adults feels lonely every week. That’s a lot of us — and I’d bet most are also interested in making new connections. We are social creatures by nature, and we need relationships to support both our mental and physical health.

Healing also happens in relationship. Connection with others is one of the most powerful antidotes to isolation and unresolved trauma.

So, if connection is so important… how do we actually do it?

PSA: do NOT Google “adult friend finder.”

Here are a few ways to start:

Hobbies
Shared interests are the foundation of both new and old friendships. Give yourself permission to nerd out about something — whether it’s gardening, board games, pickleball, or podcasts — and you’ll start to find your people.
The Apps
It’s called social media for a reason. Whether it’s sliding into Instagram DMs, joining local Facebook groups, or trying Bumble BFF, there’s a whole digital world designed to help you connect.
Clubs + Groups
Hobbies can naturally lead to community — dinner clubs, running groups, book clubs, art classes. Bonus: you need to eat anyway… amirite?

What are your thoughts?
How do you cultivate connection these days?

Cheers,

Becca