How to Foster Deep Connections in a World that Won't Stop: A.K.A. How to Make Friends as Busy Adults

This world is wild.  On top of work and families, almost everyone I know has a side hustle or a passion project.  We are busy. We are tired.  But we still long for connection and community. Here are 5 ways to foster deeper connections in a world where most of us can’t even catch our breath: 

  1. Be genuine

People crave authenticity, and nobody has time for fake. Be honest about who you are.  Of course you want to strive to be the best version of yourself,, and sometimes we have to fake it ‘til we make it, but we can do this while being authentic about it. 

2. Be upfront

Highschool made us all feel awkward about asking people to be our friends, but that’s how it works as an adult.  You have to be willing to say to people “You seem cool and I want to know you better.”  It’s scary, but you can do it. Channel your inner six year old who confidently asked strangers on the playground if they’d be your friend.

 3. Be open-minded

I honestly believe that every soul on this planet has something to teach me if I’m open to it. But I’m not always open to it.  Making connections as adults has a lot to do with listening and learning and accepting people very different from ourselves. 

4. Be vulnerable

Share your struggles and your weaknesses. This is how people connect on a deep level.  You will likely get burned on occasion, you’ll learn the hard way who to trust and who not to trust, but this is the only real path to genuine connection. 

5. Be curious

Wonder about people.  Ask them meaningful questions.  Don’t interrogate them, but be curious enough to ask what they think or feel about things. Everyone wants to be known, and being curious about someone shows them that we are committed to knowing them and building our connection with them. 

Making Friends as an Adult is Hard Work

Making friends as adults is hard and frightening. It involves putting yourself out there and subjecting yourself to potential rejection. But by being genuine, upfront, open-minded, vulnerable, and curious we can establish solid relationships and lifelong friendships. Making friends in this busy world can feel like a daunting task, but I believe in you. You’ve got this!