“Hi, My Name Is…”: Making Friends as an Adult

It used to be so simple. Go to the playground, hop in the sandbox, and say, “Hi, my name is...” and just like that, you had a friend. There were no questions about where they were from or what they did for a living. The only thing that mattered was proximity. We were in a shared space, and that was enough to make a friend.

As we grow, learn, and develop, our friend groups tend to be shaped by more and more nuanced criteria. We may have friends because we’ve known them for a long time, friends we met along the course of our academic journeys, or friendships forged from work.

But what happens when life shifts and you find yourself with very few, or no friends? What happens when friendships you thought would last forever fizzle out, change, grow distant, or simply move away? How do you find and make friends as an adult?

Though it may not be as easy as a simple “Hi, my name is…,” it may also be simpler than we think. Here are some tips for building meaningful friendships in adulthood:

1. Be Friendly

This one seems almost too simple, but it works. As my mama used to say, “If you want to make friends, show yourself to be friendly.” It might sound cliché, but genuine warmth and kindness are magnetic. A smile, a compliment, or a simple “how’s your day going?” can open a door you didn’t even know was there.

2. Share Your Interests

When engaging in conversations, whether at work, church, or even in line at the grocery store don’t be afraid to share what you’re passionate about. Whether it’s hiking, books, fitness, cooking, or podcasts, these small disclosures can spark a connection and create common ground for new friendships.

3. Go Outside

It’s hard to build new relationships from the couch. Be intentional about stepping into the spaces where the things you enjoy are happening. Attend events, join a group or class, volunteer, or just spend time in places where others gather. Showing up consistently is often half the battle.

4. Be Open

By the time we reach adulthood, many of us have experienced the pain of broken trust or disappointment in relationships. While it’s important to have healthy boundaries, it’s also essential to keep your heart open. Every new connection carries risk but it also carries the potential for something beautiful. What’s ahead may be more fulfilling than what’s behind.

Final Thoughts


Making friends as an adult may require more intention than it did when we were kids, but it’s far from impossible. Real friendships are still forged through shared spaces, shared interests, and a shared willingness to connect. If you’re feeling lonely or isolated, know this: you are not alone in your experience, and it’s okay to start small. One conversation. One connection. One new “Hi, my name is…” can still go a long way.