Everybody wants to have friends, but making them is often easier said than done. When you are in high school or college, you have a built-in social group to enjoy, but adulthood is the Wild Wild West when it comes to forming new bonds.
Getting out and socializing is not just beneficial, though—it is imperative to maintaining a healthy balance in your life and staying connected to the people around you. Rather than staying in and watching Netflix for another night, then, consider one of the following ways to socialize that you might not have previously considered.
You deserve friends, and there are plenty of people out there who want to befriend you. You just have to put forth the effort and discover the possibilities that await. The following six tips will help you do exactly that and have a good time in the process.
Join a Language Conversation Group
Learning a new language might seem like a daunting task, and it certainly won’t be easy, but it can also be a great tool for meeting new people and finding new friends. Your city likely has a number of local language-learning groups that are free and focused on conversation.
What better way to make friends than to simply sit down and talk—even if it is in a foreign language? Choose a language that interests you and begin researching groups that meet in your area. You are sure to have fun and make friends.
Go Out and Do Karaoke
Of all social activities, few have the uniting power that karaoke can boast. If you have ever participated before, this likely won’t surprise you, but newcomers are often taken aback by the friendships that can form when people get together and sing.
This isn’t just speculation—it is confirmed by a study published by the Royal Society Open Science Journal, which found that singing together was more effective in spurring friendships than a range of other activities subjects participated in. So, if you want to make some lifelong bonds fast, hit happy hour and belt out a song or two.
Get Involved in Charity
Getting involved in charity might sound like an expensive way to make friends. When you say the word “charity,” perhaps the word “donation” automatically follows, and you might not always have the expendable funds to give financially.
There are plenty of other ways to get involved, though, including hands-on opportunities. Philanthropists such as Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva are examples of the power charitable action can have. Charities do not run on money alone—they also rely on donated time. You might find that you make some lifelong friends while you make a positive difference in the world.
Volunteer in Your Community
If you do not volunteer directly with a charity, volunteering within your community is a good place to start. Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva began her philanthropic pursuits by simply helping local kids in need of assistance. Consider what specific challenges face your community, and consider how you can mitigate those problems with your individual talents and abilities.
If you are a skilled gardener, for example, consider volunteering at your community garden. If you don’t have one, consider establishing it. You are bound to make friends and create new connections as you get involved with the people around you.
Learn More About Politics
You might have a knee-jerk reaction to the idea of getting involved in politics, but it can actually be a great way to socialize and make friends. You don’t necessarily have to picket or join the campaign trail to do this. Getting political is often most effective and rewarding when you are doing so at a local level.
Does your town have a neighborhood committee that meets? Perhaps you can join an advisory board for local legislature. Though politics are often thought to end friendships, they can certainly start friendships and facilitate socializing. Don’t overlook the social potential of politics.
Improve Your Skills Through Classes
Taking classes is yet another way to join a group, make friends and learn something new. Whether you are interested in painting, cooking, crafting or learning a new sport, you can do so by finding a local class.
The good news is that everybody else in the class will be there to learn, too, so you can enjoy the camaraderie of tackling a new skill and developing your abilities. This is a surefire way to socialize and make friends while also finding fun new hobbies to enjoy. Enroll in a class that interests you and enjoy the socialization.
Socializing as an adult is not always easy, but it is always worth it when you learn new things and make new friends. These are just a few ways to get out and make new connections. There are people around you everywhere waiting to be befriended. You just have to initiate the conversations that lead to friendship.
