By the time we hit our 40’s, many are lucky to already have long-standing friendships.
Some, however, find themselves riding solo for different reasons. Maybe you’ve outgrown old friendships or moved to a new city, sadly leaving good mates behind.
And as we get older, finding ‘our people’ can be tough. By this time, we’re mostly set in our ways and are in a comfort zone, which makes it harder to put ourselves out there to make new friends. Our busy lives also leave us with little time to focus on ourselves or to socialise. But a life without a tribe who supports you when you are at a low and celebrates your highs, can be a lonely and unfulfilling one. If you are trying to build your tribe, here are a few ways to help you start making meaningful connections:
Join a club
This is a great way to meet people with similar interests as you. If joining a fitness-related club, you’ll not only be embracing a healthier lifestyle, you’ll be seeing new people on a regular basis and this could lead to new lifelong friends in no time. Volunteering or partaking in community events are also great ways of interacting with people who could become more than just acquaintances.
Start a new hobby
Doing something that interests us is always enjoyable, and sharing the experience with like-minded people can make it even more enriching. Join a book club, crafting- or cooking class and turn your new hobby into an opportunity to grow your circle.
Travel solo
Taking a solo trip is something everyone should try at least once in their lives. It forces you out of your comfort zone and you have no choice but to speak to new people, and who knows what the outcome of this could be. You could meet someone in a similar situation as you, spend time together while travelling and return home having made a lifelong friend with a friendship borne out of a great shared experience.
Go online
There’s no denying that most interactions these days take place in online spaces, so make this work for you. MeetUp is a website where you can search for groups, events and activities near you and connect with people that have similar interests. OG Facebook is still a good option – look for local groups that you can join. Just remember to always be mindful and cautious with meet-ups that stem from online conversations.
Change things up
If you find that you stick to what you know and frequent the same places and do the same things, it’s time to make a change. Trying new places or activities outside your comfort zone will present you with the opportunity to possibly meet people you wouldn’t have otherwise encountered.
First published by Woman & Home
Compiled by Roshaan Patel
Also see: How to host a cosy night in with friends
