6 Tips for Making Friends as an Adult

It's not just that I need more people to go to water parks with, I also want to get along with co-workers better. No matter what the reason is, both neurotypicals and non-neutotypicals could always use another friend and a refresher on how to make friends as an adult. So here are 6 tips on how to make friends as an adult.

1. Go Outside

I'm being a hypocrite with this one but... you won't make many friends staying in every Friday. I mean, sometimes you can, but it is a slower process.

2. Become Genuinely Interested in Other People

Ask people about their kids, their pets or their hobbies. Ask people how they are doing today.

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

3. Smile

Seriously, smile more often... if it doesn't cheer up their day then at the very least... it confuses some people, and that's fun too.

4. Remember, the sweetest sound to anyone’s ears is his/her own name.

Don't just think of nickname for people, actually remember and use their names. I'm more of a face person, so this is a challenge for me, but I will do my best to really try to remember people's names.

5. Be a good listener.

While it may seem obvious, the best advice for being a good listener is to stop talking first... then listen. You can't listen while you are talking over them.

6. Make the other person feel important in a sincere manner.

A great way to practice this is to 'Praise Instead of Criticize'. Criticism causes people to become defensive. It's hurt their pride and sense of importance. However, there is a way to say your opinion without pushing people away. Praise the things you do like instead of criticizing the things you don't. Don't be afraid to praise people in public... but don't ever criticize people in public, it's humiliating.

Need some extra tips for being social in the workplace? Here is some quick advice.

Pro Tips for Working With Co-Workers:

• Having trouble sharing your ideas? Let them think the idea was theirs. Do this by asking for their advice on the subject.
• Only focus on you job. If you see someone else skipping out on doing the work... just let it go.
• Don't choose a side when it comes to office drama. The moment you do, you've made an enemy.
• Keep your hands to yourself. People only like to be touched by close friends, so most co-workers won't like being touched... at all. Even a small hand put on someone's shoulder.

Need some uplifting advice? Here are some of my favorite quotes on Friendship

“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.”

– Ernest Hemingway

“I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.”

-Helen Keller

“Don’t make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up.”

-Thomas J. Watson

“What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.”

– Confucius

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

– Marcel Proust

“A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.”

-Arnold H. Glasgow

“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”

-William Shakespeare

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Work Cited

Bellis, Rich. “15 Easy Ways To Make Friends In Your First Week On The Job.” Fast Company, Fast Company, 17 Jan. 2018, www.fastcompany.com/40509736/15-easy-ways-to-make-friends-in-your-first-week-on-the-job.

C.S. Lewis, -C.S. Lewis, et al. “119 Friendship Quotes To Warm Your Best Friend's Heart.” KeepInspiringme, www.keepinspiring.me/quotes-on-friendship/.

Copeland, Angela, and AuthorAngela Copeland. “8 Tips for How to Get Along with Coworkers: Careers.” LiveCareer, www.livecareer.com/resources/jobs/networking/coworkers.

Edberg, Henrik. “74 Inspiring Friendship Quotes.” The Positivity Blog – Practical Happiness Tips, 15 Oct. 2019, www.positivityblog.com/friendship-quotes/.

“This Is How To Make Friends As An Adult: 5 Secrets Backed By Research.” Barking Up The Wrong Tree, 5 Aug. 2018, www.bakadesuyo.com/2017/02/how-to-make-friends-as-an-adult/.