Having a hard time meeting people? Try these 5 social activities for adults that will lead to new friendships 🤝

Did you know that making new friends as an adult not only brings joy and companionship, but also contributes to a healthier and happier life?

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Friends can:

• reduce your stress levels

• encourage healthier habits

• support and uplift you in difficult times

• promote your overall wellbeing

But, once college days are behind you and you're busy adulting, it can be difficult to meet people. Find social activities for adults that will help you meet new friends!

Birds of a feather flock together.

Find your flock!

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Look for clubs that match your interests. This is your chance to meet people who love the same things as you! Check out this list to get you thinking:

• Book club

• Cooking club

• Athletic clubs — hiking, running, any group workouts

• Sports team(s) — soccer, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, etc.

• Arts & crafts group — painting, drawing, ceramics, knitting, crocheting

• Board games groups

• Trivia competitions

Check with your local Parks & Recreation department to see what's available, or visit MeetUp and start your search online.

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'

— author C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

Networking events are all about making connections and meeting people who are interested in similar professional topics. They're a great place to make new friends as well as build valuable professional connections.

• Look at the Career & Business Events listings on MeetUp and see if any are near you.

• Join Toastmasters Internationalto improve your public speaking and accelerate your career growth.

• Find a local chapter of a relevant professional organization and attend their events.

• Attend a professional conference.

• Work from a co-working space.

The biggest decision you'll have to make is who to talk to first!

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

— American inventor and politician Benjamin Franklin

There are a lot of needs in our communities. Lending a helping hand is always welcome and is another great social activity for adults.

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There is nothing more fulfilling than helping out with a cause dear to your heart. Not only will you be doing something good, but you'll also meet people who care about the same things.

To find volunteer opportunities that align with your values, contact:

• local organizations you'd like to support and ask how you can help

• VolunteerMatch to create a profile and be matched with local opportunities

If you prefer something less official, put on some gloves and pick up litter at the local park. Who knows, maybe you'll inspire someone to join you!

Learning is a lifelong journey with no final destination.

...much like friendship.

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What is something you always wanted to learn but didn't dare or didn't have the time?

• Cooking?

• Photography?

• Dancing?

• Foreign language?

• Coding?

• Acting?

Even Yoda agrees, there is no better time than right now! You'll get to meet new people and learn something new.

Look at local community college and university non-credit courses meant for continuing education to keep the costs low. Your local Parks & Recreation department, dance and art studios should have a few options too!

To have a friend, be a friend.

Being kind, dependable and a good listener will help you nurture new and existing friendships.

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There's no place like home, so try to make new friends in your community:

• Introduce yourself to your neighbors and make time to connect with them.

• Attend community events, like fairs, festivals, or farmers' markets. These events are a great way to have fun and meet new people from your neighborhood.

• Volunteer at the community garden or a local organization.

• Join a faith community and attend their new member events.

• Attend and organize events. Make yourself available!

Don't forget, friendships are made over time. Reach out to people you've enjoyed meeting at these social activities and make a plan to meet again.