Adulting Sucks: How to Not Die Alone (From Friendlessness)
Let’s face it, adulthood is a dumpster fire wrapped in a business casual nightmare. You traded dodgeball for deadlines, detention for debt, and the carefree joy of making friends for the soul-crushing awkwardness of… adult friend-making. Ugh.
Here’s the brutal truth: your childhood BFFs are busy chasing mortgages and mini-vans, your “work friends” are more like “acquaintances-I-avoid-in-the-bathroom,” and the bar scene feels like a desperate singles ad come to life. So, how do you navigate this social wasteland and snag some actual friends without resorting to awkward watercooler chit-chat?
Step 1: Ditch the Kindergarten Tactics.
Forget “forced fun” outings or mind-numbing small talk. You’re not here to make friendship bracelets or share cookies (unless they’re, you know, the fun kind). Find people who share your interests, your passions, and your slightly unconventional hobbies (because normal is boring, anyway). Think board game marathons at your local brewery, rock climbing meetups, or that cult pottery class you’ve been eyeing.
Step 2: Be Bold (or at Least Appear Bold).
Friendliness is cool, but confidence is hotter. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with that person eyeing the same vintage sci-fi paperback at the bookstore. The worst they can do is say no (and let’s be honest, were they ever really friend material anyway?).
Step 3: Embrace the Awkward.
Let’s be real, adulthood is a constant state of “adulting-ish.” There will be awkward silences, there will be mismatched humor, and there will be moments you’ll want to crawl into a social black hole. But hey, that’s how friendships blossom! Lean into the weirdness, find humor in the uncomfortable, and bond over the shared experience of surviving this thing called adulthood. This time in your life is when real lifetime friendships can be made. (Again, those school friends have now gone in another direction, but feel free to stalk them on Facebook if you are really curious.)
Step 4: Remember, Quality > Quantity.
You don’t need a squad the size of a small army. Focus on building genuine connections with people who get you, who challenge you, and who you can trust with your deepest Netflix queue shame.
Step 5: Cultivate “You Time”
Friends are awesome but don’t lose yourself in the friend-making frenzy. Make time for your hobbies, your passions, and that glorious alone time where you can recharge and be your gloriously weird self.
Building friendships as an adult takes effort, sure, but the payoff is epic. So, put on your metaphorical big-kid pants, ditch the fear of rejection, and get out there. Remember, the only thing worse than being friendless is being surrounded by fake friends. Now go forth and conquer this friendship wasteland!
