Let’s be honest—making friends as an adult can feel really hard. Back in the day, you could just walk up to someone in school and say, “Wanna be friends?” But now, between work, family, and just trying to get through life, making new connections can feel pretty awkward and exhausting. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about where to even start, you’re definitely not alone.

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But here’s the thing: it’s totally possible to make real, meaningful friendships as an adult. It might take a little more effort (and a few uncomfortable moments), but if you’re willing to put yourself out there, you can find your people. Whether you’re trying to expand your social circle, find deep connections, or just meet a few like-minded people, here’s how you can start building those friendships.

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Step 1: Put Yourself Out There (Even If It’s Awkward)

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Let’s get real—making the first move can feel a little awkward. Starting a conversation with someone new or showing up to an event where you don’t know anyone can be nerve-wracking. But here’s the good news: most people are looking for connection, just like you. They’re probably just waiting for someone to make the first move.

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So, take a deep breath and go for it. Whether it’s chatting with a coworker, commenting on someone’s Instagram post, or joining a class or event, it’s worth pushing through that initial awkwardness. You might feel a bit weird at first, but the more you do it, the easier it gets—and trust me, you’ll be surprised by how many people are open to making new friends.

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Step 2: Use Social Media to Find Local Meetups

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Here’s a game-changer: using social media to find local groups and meetups in real life. Whether you’re into running, books, yoga, or just grabbing coffee, there are probably people in your city meeting up regularly who share your interests. Instagram and TikTok are full of local clubs, and they’re becoming super popular as ways to connect.

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For example, if you’re in Dallas and love running, try searching “Dallas run club” on Instagram or TikTok, and you’ll probably find a few groups that meet up regularly. If you’re more into reading, look for “Austin book club” and see what pops up. The great thing is, there are groups for pretty much everything these days—whether it’s hiking, knitting, or just trying new restaurants together. And the best part? You already have something in common with everyone there, so starting a conversation will feel so much more natural.

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Step 3: Show Up Regularly and Get to Know Other Regulars

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One of the easiest ways to start making friends is to show up somewhere consistently. It could be a yoga class, a local coffee shop, a gym, or a running group—anywhere you go regularly. When you start going at the same time each week, you’ll notice familiar faces, and they will start to recognize you too.

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Once you’ve spotted the other regulars, don’t be afraid to say something simple like, “Hey, I see you here a lot!” or “How was class for you today?” These little conversations can eventually turn into bigger ones, and before you know it, you’ve built a friendship. Plus, when you’re seeing the same people in the same space, it takes the pressure off—it feels more natural and less like a forced interaction.

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Step 4: Start with Small, Simple Acts of Connection

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Making friends doesn’t have to be this huge, life-changing moment right from the start. Friendships often grow out of the smallest acts of connection—a smile, a compliment, or just asking someone how their day is going.

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Once you’ve had that first small interaction, keep the momentum going. Invite them to grab coffee after class, or just check in with a friendly text. These tiny gestures can lead to deeper conversations over time, and before you know it, you’ve started forming a real friendship. Friendships grow slowly, through shared experiences and consistency, so keep showing up and putting in the effort, even in small ways.

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Step 5: Be Real and Open

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Real friendships come from being real with people. It’s tempting to try to present the “best” version of yourself when you’re meeting new people, but the truth is, the more authentic you are, the easier it is to build a connection. Don’t be afraid to let people see the real you—flaws, quirks, and all.

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When you’re honest about who you are, you create space for others to do the same. And that’s where true friendships happen. You don’t have to spill your deepest secrets right away, but being open about your interests, challenges, and what really matters to you builds a deeper bond.

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Step 6: Build Confidence with Virtual Connections through Kinship

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If you’re feeling nervous about jumping straight into in-person meetups, that’s totally okay. Sometimes, it helps to ease into things by starting in a low-pressure, supportive space, and that’s where Kinship comes in.

Kinship is a virtual space designed to help people connect and build friendships in a safe, comfortable environment. It’s a great place to practice opening up, sharing your story, and getting to know others without the immediate pressure of in-person interactions.

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Here’s why Kinship can be a great first step:

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A judgment-free space. You can join Kinship sessions from the comfort of your home and connect with others who are also looking to build friendships. No pressure, no awkward moments—just real conversations.

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Find people on the same journey. Everyone in Kinship is there for the same reason—to meet people and form meaningful connections. You won’t feel like you’re the only one struggling to make friends.

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Practice being open. Kinship is the perfect place to build your confidence before stepping into bigger social situations. You can practice sharing, listening, and connecting with others in a supportive, virtual environment.

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Learn real tools for making friends. In Kinship sessions, you’ll also get practical tips on how to build and maintain friendships in the real world, so when you’re ready, you can confidently step out and start forming those in-person connections.

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You Deserve Real Friendships

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If making friends as an adult feels overwhelming or awkward, just know you’re not alone—it’s something so many of us struggle with. But with a little patience, effort, and openness, you can build real, lasting friendships that bring joy and connection into your life. You deserve friendships that make you feel seen, supported, and understood.

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Join us at Kinship to take that first step. We’re here to help you build confidence, connect with others, and find your people. Let’s grow together—one conversation at a time.