Making friends is easy when you’re young, but it gets more difficult once you’re past the age of playing at recess or asking, “What’s your major?” in college.

Here are some tips from the Healthline website for making new friends at any age:

 

Find or rediscover your hobbies. Pursuing enjoyable activities can help you relax and build new relationships more easily.

Exercise classes, social media groups, book groups, and more can bring you into contact with likeminded people also looking for companionship.

 

Make the first move. Don’t be afraid to ask an acquaintance out for coffee or lunch. You may get rejected — just like dating — but if you keep it casual and relaxed, the other person will often accept, forging the pathway to a new friendship.

 

Volunteer. Find a cause you believe in and join a group that supports it. You’ll meet people with the same values while working on projects that do some good. Common interests can help you connect and form strong bonds.

 

Keep an open mind. Don’t be too quick to judge the people you meet. You may think you have nothing in common, but you might find you share more than you think.

Be willing to listen to different points of view and try new things before making a decision on whether or not you want to be friends.

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