Making friends in young adulthood can be a challenge that many people face and feel that they are ill-equipped for. The sense of belonging that you may have grown accustomed to in your cozy circle of hometown friends may become elusive when attempting to find a sense of belonging in adulthood relationships. As social creatures, it is highly suggested for humans to seek out genuine, meaningful connections with at least one other person.
Busy work schedules, a full day of lectures and competing extracurriculars may get in the way of finding genuine connections with others. Adult friendships often demand a more nuanced set of traits and a higher level of commitment to thrive compared to friendships in earlier life stages. Genuine friendships frequently embody characteristics like empathy, integrity, independence, and other qualities that naturally develop and strengthen over time.
Let’s be honest, making friends can be scary, but you are not alone in that feeling. Knowing where to start can be daunting, but from my experience, friendships tend to sprout where you are planted, whether that be at work, in class, at a party or in a book club. Locating others who have the same interests as you can create a solid foundation for a relationship. The greater your commitment to a relationship, the more it is likely to thrive and evolve into, ideally, a trusting and authentic friendship. Have fun with the people you meet by exploring shared interests - it makes building connections even more enjoyable. Good luck, your friends are waiting for you!
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