When we’re young, making friends is easy. The whole class gets invited to your birthday party, you play a game of hide and seek, and you’re all BFFs for the next few days. Social interactions are less pressured and more fun, but as we get older, making new friends can sometimes feel impossible.

Loneliness is an epidemic of modern life; it’s reported that more than 70% of adults feel lonely often or always. Despite being married, working or having kids, many of us can’t shake that feeling of being totally alone.

If you’re someone who struggles to build bridges with strangers or hates making small talk, it’s time to take the leap and make new friends.

In this quick read, we look at possible ways to meet new people.

Reconnect 

We all have that someone, the person you really like and who always made you laugh but for some reason, that connection fizzled out. But what’s stopping you from reconnecting?

Social media is an easy ice-breaker. Send a message, like a picture and see if you can reignite that easy friendship you once cherished. Pick up the phone, send a text or make a call. You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

Start something new 

What have you always wanted to do but have never found the time to do it? Learn a language? Start a course? By putting yourself out of your comfort zone, you’re giving yourself the chance to learn new skills and meet like-minded people.

Maybe a local community centre runs free classes or coffee mornings; you won’t know until you’ve looked.

Volunteer 

Whether it’s for a charity or a local school, spending time with people in a volunteer capacity can fill lonely hours and make you feel useful. Giving your time and energy to something new can help break barriers with other people and provide a new lease of life.

Dog walking 

No one said you have to make friends with humans. Sometimes spending time with animals offers a whole lot of love and a few hours out of the house. Websites such as Borrow My Doggy (if you don’t have your own) or joining group dog walks in your area can help you meet new people and pooches.

Go on an adventure 

Talking to new people can feel intimidating, but what about if you join a club or organise a trip away? You can try plenty of activities by signing up to join a running club or knitting group or booking a walking holiday or tour that could help you establish new connections.

If you’re running a club or group and are looking for new members, Storeys would love to know. We’re based in Cheshire – tell us more about what you do.