How To Make Friends As An Introvert: 10 Tips

So you’ve met these friends as an adult and they, like all friends do, get together every once in a while. ukrainiancharms.com (Yeah, I know, I know, but that’s what friends do.) I am here to tell you that it’s OK to decline plans with friends or to accept an offer only to repent at the last minute and cancel. Expect to hear coaxing from your friends, but if they understand you and get you, they will eventually let it go (until next time). All of this isn’t to say that outgoing extroverts are the bad guys. Introverts and extroverts can make wonderful friends if both people feel like their needs are being met.

Whether in an online forum, through a social media friend app, or social media such as Twitter or Reddit, online friends are real friends. Bumble BFF is a great way to dip your toes into meeting new people from the safety of your bed, too. Some people thrive with one or two close friends, while others enjoy larger circles.

• Introversion refers to a personality trait characterized by a preference for less stimulating environments.
• While it may feel uncomfortable at first, the more you practice reaching out to others, the easier it will become.
• Introverts can use their listening skills to build connections with others and create meaningful conversations.
• Making friends as an adult introvert can feel challenging, but it’s absolutely achievable.
• By staying persistent and not giving up, introverts can make lasting connections with others and build fulfilling friendships.

Once a fledgling friendship begins to take off, keep it thriving by finding new ways to connect. You might plan picnic lunches outside with your co-worker, for example, or accompany your neighbor to a gardening show. Getting to know someone generally starts with the simple act of listening to what they say. Many introverts do this already, so try to take it a step further and offer something in return. But if you enjoy yourself, show up again and try connecting with someone you recognize.

Social Anxiety

Attending university or even community college while still living at home with your family both bring up specific challenges for introverts who are looking to make some new friends. Being a teen is hard for just about everyone but being an introverted teen can be scary and make teenagers feel really alone. But if there is one thing teenagers seem to naturally know how to do it is to say how they feel. This is key for any introvert, since most of us need that recharging time after (or between) social engagements with other people. Being comfortable alone can be a positive character trait for an introvert but introverts are not solitary all the time by choice. In my own life, friendship has been the lifeline for my darkest hours of despair, the magnifying lens for my brightest joys, the quiet pulse-beat beneath the daily task of living.

Many introverts are often misunderstood, but science shows that their brains actually respond differently to social stimulation. Making friends as an introvert gets easier when you stop fighting your nature and start working with it. As an introvert, you’re naturally better at deeper discussions than small talk. Look for colleagues you already chat with casually, especially fellow introverts who prefer one-on-one lunch conversations over big group outings.

Initiating Conversations And Making The First Move

Maybe you feel uncomfortable in large groups or struggle to find the right words to say. Perhaps you even wonder if there is something wrong with you. As an introvert, you may have found yourself in situations where making friends seems like a daunting task. Maggie Donaldson is an engineer whose biggest passion and area of study is Cognitive Science, a crossover of all studies of the human mind. Her favorite thing to do is spend hours at San Francisco parks with her closest friends. She also loves playing the piano, playing with her dog, and making terrible puns.

It’s not about changing who you are but about building confidence, easing social anxiety, and connecting with others in a way that feels natural to you. Friendship can be especially challenging for introverts when anxiety makes social interactions feel overwhelming. Worries about saying the wrong thing, fear of rejection, and overanalyzing conversations can make it even harder to reach out and form connections. Therapists often recommend ways for introverts to connect with others without feeling exhausted.

Most people are kind, and while some may have bad days and not be ready for a new friend, allow your heart and hope to lead you to new friends. Andrea Dorfman might be talking about dancing in her poem, but the line “assume it is with best of human intentions” can apply to making new friends too. But the poem is also an excellent how-to for living life as an introvert. A few tried-and-tested tips on making friends are all you need. Start by attending local events, exploring Meetup groups, or joining fitness classes.

In those days you might approach someone at the playground and ask them to play and immediately become good friends. Often showing up in the same place, like school or camp, meant that you had ready-made social groups without much effort. As adults (especially introverts), real life often gets in the way of making and maintaining friendships, and yet social connection is one of the keys to vibrant mental health.

Say yes to invitations, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Aim to try at least one new social activity per week during your first few months. Understanding these barriers helps you approach friendship building with compassion and patience. Learn why you feel like something is wrong and explore practical ways to improve your mental health, break free from negative cycles, and start feeling better in everyday life. Expanding your comfort zone doesn’t mean throwing yourself into every large gathering.

I looked around and wondered how everyone else had become friends so quickly. It felt like they were all reading from some Friendship Instruction Manual that I didn’t have. In addition, having a regular thing to do or a standing date with yourself will free up your social anxiety.

By the end, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to connect with others and enrich your social life. Introverts can use their listening skills to build connections with others and create meaningful conversations. Be willing to step out of their comfort zone and take risks to meet new people and make friends. Finding a shared activity or hobby can be a great way to bond with others and build friendships. Making friends as an adult introvert is absolutely achievable! Introversion refers to a personality trait where individuals feel more energized by solitary activities than social interactions.

And at the end of the day, you’re still the same person with the same needs for solitude. You might instinctively avoid these interactions for fear of being put on the spot for small talk. By becoming better acquainted, though, you might find some room for common ground. Your strengths might appeal to another introvert who recognizes a kindred spirit, but they could also complement the contrasting traits of a more extroverted person. As a matter of fact, introverts tend to form strong relationships. There may come a time, though, when you realize you’ve fallen somewhat out of touch with other people.