Pretty Privilege’s handbook to adult friendship

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Early in life, friendships are all-encompassing. We live and breathe each other's drama, who likes who and what our mates' are doing on the weekend. We know the ins and outs of each other's lives, and why wouldn't we? We see our friends every day at school. Between classes, we declare ourselves thick as thieves and at lunch, we don the title of 'chosen family'. We can't fathom life without our best friends. And we certainly can't imagine that less than a decade later, we may be estranged.

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When we enter into adulthood, friendships suddenly become hard to maintain. We drift from those we knew as children or we move away altogether. Our focus shifts to relationships, family and work commitments. What we once had, inevitably, becomes lost.

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All of this is to say that finding and maintaining friendships as an adult is challenging. But their importance also cannot be overlooked. Friends enrich our lives, provide a sense of belonging and have even been shown to offset stress through the release of the neurotransmitter, oxytocin.

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So, the million-dollar question is: how do we make friends as an adult?

Here are some strategies beyond just befriending your colleagues:

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Join a club, but commit to it: Showing up once is great, but friendships take time. Find a group that aligns with your interests and attend regularly. Consistency builds connections.

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Target your search: Leverage social media! No matter how meta it seems, open TikTok and search for "friendship events" in your city or groups related to your hobbies. If nothing exists, consider starting your own! You're not alone – others likely crave connection too.
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The workout buddy connection: Ditch the big headphones sometimes. Gyms and classes are goldmines for conversation, especially with familiar faces. Ask your mat neighbour about their workout, if they have tried training with a certain instructor, or commiserate about sore muscles. Shared experiences are conversation starters.

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Coworkers can be great friends: Proximity breeds connection. Strike up conversations over lunch or coffee breaks. Explore if there's a deeper friendship potential beyond work.

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Friends of friends can be friends too: That friend who thinks you'd hit it off with their cousin? Trust their instincts. Ask for introductions and see if a connection sparks.

Remember:

Be yourself, be open, and be present.
Putting yourself out there is key.
Friendships take time and effort, so nurture them.

Still struggling to connect with new friends? The Pretty Privilege Club gives away entry into select events, so keep an eye on our socials and engage with our empowered community online. 💋