Making friends as you age can be difficult. It’s hard to know what to do, who to talk to, and how best to meet new people. Luckily, there are many ways for adults of all ages to make new friends in their community. Here are nine tips for making friends, which will hopefully make the whole experience easier and more fun!

• Know That You Aren’t Alone: It may feel like everyone around you has tons of close friendships already developed; however, this isn’t necessarily true. There are likely others in your life that are struggling with the same thing. By opening up to them, you could be on your way to making new friends that are already in your circle of acquaintances.
• Invest in Your Community: Many times, people simply have not explored their community and do not even realize how many opportunities for friendship exist. From local events to parks, places of worship, to volunteer organizations – investing into your town can lead you towards friendships that will last a lifetime.
• Be Open-Minded About Who You Meet: Sometimes you may write off chances at making new friends; however, you need to be open to meeting all sorts of people! The best types of friendships often come from the most unexpected sources, so it is essential to keep an open mind when meeting new potential companions. Be willing to try something new and let yourself become interested in those around you without expecting them to fit any specific mold.
• Start Slow: Yes, making friends in adulthood can be scary, so it is important to start slow. Sometimes a simple smile or a “hello” can get the ball rolling when it comes to developing a friendship.
• Be Yourself: It’s crucial to always be yourself when making friends with others. You want people to see the real you – and you want them to feel comfortable doing the same. This ensures that the friendship will last as there are no false pretenses.
• Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions: It’s perfectly fine (and even encouraged) to ask someone questions about themselves or their life; however, avoid asking too many personal details right off the bat. Ask questions about hobbies, family, work, etc., but give the relationship time to develop before delving in deep! 
• Don’t Wait For Others To Make The First Move: Often if you wait for others to make the first move, then it may never happen. Take the initiative and start conversations with those around you, and put yourself out there – chances are that they will appreciate your effort and reciprocate in kind. 
• Widen Your Current Circle: Do you have a friend who often talks about a funny colleague or someone she plays cards with? Ask if they’d like to join in an activity together. This gives you a chance to meet someone new – that’s already “pre-approved” by a current friend.
• Be Open to New Experiences: The easiest way to meet new people is by being open to new experiences. If you are someone that likes change, then this will come naturally. You can try many different things, such as taking a class at your local community center or joining a book club or crafting group, in order to find friendships outside of the familiar social circles you have already established.

While making friends as an adult can seem daunting at first, these tips should help ease any anxiety or timidity you might have surrounding meeting new people. If nothing else, hopefully, you realize that while building friendships is hard work, it isn’t impossible either. It just takes time and effort!