Creating Community and Friendship in Your Adult Life

When you’re a child, making friends can feel practically effortless. One minute you’re on the playground, the next you’re declaring, “Let’s be best friends!” - no questions asked. Sure, the “forever” part might not always stick, but the simplicity was golden.

Fast forward to adulthood, and things get a bit more complicated. Between careers, family life, and the chaos of responsibilities, once-close friendships can drift. You might even wonder where all your BFFs have disappeared to. While enjoying your own company is healthy, meaningful connections beyond your partner or family are a huge boost for wellbeing. But how do you make new friends as a busy professional without it feeling like a networking event in disguise?

Hobbies that help you find your people

Not everyone’s a team player when it comes to hobbies, and that’s fine. If crafting is your solo escape or running helps you recharge between meetings, no one’s asking you to give that up. But here’s a thought: what if you could keep doing what you love and meet new people along the way?

Try joining a craft group (even just once a month) or dropping in at a local run club. You don’t need to show up every week or turn into a social butterfly overnight. It’s simply about creating small opportunities to connect through shared interests.

And if you’re thinking, “Wait, I don’t even have a hobby!”- don’t worry. It’s never too late to try something new. A 30-minute taster session at a sports club or creative workshop could be just what you need to spark connections without overloading your schedule.

Make friends while making a difference

Volunteering isn’t just good for the soul - it’s also a great way to meet people who care about the same things you do. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, animal welfare, mental health, or community support, giving just a few hours a month can leave you feeling more connected and fulfilled.

The best part? It’s a natural way to meet like-minded people without the pressure of forced small talk. And you don’t need to commit to a huge time investment. Even occasional volunteering, like helping out at a local event or joining a charity fundraiser, can open the door to new friendships.

Swipe right for friendship

Think apps are just for dating? Think again. Platforms like Bumble BFF are designed specifically to help people connect and build friendships, whether you’ve moved to a new city, changed jobs, or just want to expand your social circle.

It might feel a little strange at first, but it’s a low-pressure way to meet others who are also looking for genuine connection. And if you decide to meet up, just follow the usual safety tips: meet in a public place, make sure profiles are verified, and always trust your instincts.

Find people in familiar places

You don’t have to limit yourself to “mum and dad friends” or “carer circles,” but connecting with people in a similar life stage can be a great starting point. Shared experiences, whether it’s sleepless nights with a newborn or juggling caregiving responsibilities, help break the ice and spark genuine conversations.

If you’re a new parent, baby-and-parent groups are a great way to get out of the house and meet others who get it. If you’re a carer, plenty of support groups exist to connect you with people who understand your day-to-day challenges. If you’re looking for a place to start, Carers UK has a helpful directory of local support services to explore.

These spaces don’t have to be all about parenting or caregiving. Think of them as launchpads for friendships that go beyond your current role. You might bond over shared routines, but you’ll stay connected through laughter, support, and the occasional coffee-fuelled vent session.

Reconnect with old connections

Making new friends doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes, reaching out to an old classmate, colleague, or neighbor can reignite a friendship. A simple message -“Hey, it’s been a while, how are you?”- can be the first step toward rebuilding a meaningful connection.

Leverage work and professional spaces

If you enjoy what you do for a living, your professional life can also be a source of new friendships. Work socials, industry conferences, and even online professional communities offer ways to meet like-minded people beyond the 9-to-5. The shared ground of your career makes conversations flow more naturally.

Stick with it – friendships take time

So, you’ve tried a new club a few times and haven’t found your future bestie just yet. That’s normal. Building friendships as an adult isn’t instant - it takes time, patience, and a few awkward hellos.

There’s no magic number of meetups before connections start forming, but consistency is key. Think back to your first weeks at a new job: you probably didn’t bond with colleagues overnight, even while seeing them five days a week.

It may feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. But that’s often where real change happens. Keep showing up, stay open, and give it a fair shot. You never know when a casual chat could grow into a meaningful connection.