In a poll conducted by Forbes Health in 2022, 59% of respondents felt that since the pandemic it has become harder for them to form new adult relationships. Pandemic aside, there are many other life events, such as moving or changing employment, which can leave your social circle slim. If you are feeling the same, there are a few ways that you can work on meeting new people and reestablish existing relationships.
Why can’t we just stay home forever? We are social creatures, and socializing does not just improve our mood, but also our health. The Mayo Clinic shares that having positive friendships can:
- Help combat feelings of loneliness and depression, which can cause isolation
- Increase happy feelings and decrease stress
- Good relationships can be a support system for negative times
- Can encourage you to make better lifestyle choices
- Give you a sense of belonging or purpose
- Can help to lower blood pressure and body mass index.
University of Maryland professor, Marisa Franco, gave an interview in 2022 on why as adults we struggle making new friends. She states that the organic nature in which we gained friends as a child changes with age. With busier schedules and more strict boundaries, making new friends must be intentional. She reports that we tend to be too hard on ourselves as we age, and it is easier for us to feel unliked by new people despite evidence of the contrary. This is when loneliness can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
You might be wondering where or how to start meeting all these awesome potential friends? Psychiatrist Roxanna Namavar shares some tips to keep in mind:
- Approach new people and activities with positivity, focusing on what feels good.
- Create your circle of friends around the parts of your life you enjoy.
- Take some time to research groups that may interest you. This might require you to update your social media skills to groups and community activities you may not have been aware of.
- Ask questions about your new friend. This will help build a relationship better than just talking about yourself.
- Is there a casual acquaintance you can get to know better?
- Do not be afraid to say ‘yes,’ initiate activities, or be vulnerable.
Additionally, older adults may have added anxiety about returning to social gatherings. AARP shares that some people may feel more confident about spending time with others who may be vaccinated. But having those conversations with friends and family may lead to more stress. It is okay to tell other’s that you are not ready to join large gatherings yet. Coming up with alternative activities that would make you more comfortable will help others to know that you still value time with them. Likewise, be patient with others who are not comfortable with your own invitations to gather.
As stated earlier, positive friendships are the key. When working on friendships aim for quality over quantity. Keeping friendships takes time and effort, but they are worth it.
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