Ava Sinclair
If you’ve tried to make new friends as an adult, you know it’s not exactly a picnic.
Expanding your social circle as you get older can feel challenging, but the key often lies in recognizing and letting go of habits that no longer serve you.
Certain behaviors can quietly undermine your ability to connect with others, making it harder to form new and meaningful relationships.
But, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Here are eight habits to say goodbye to if you’re ready to broaden your social horizons:
1) Letting fear of rejection hold you back
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to meeting new people is the fear of rejection—it’s like a dark cloud, looming over your every move.
You see a group of people you’d like to join, but that self-doubt creeps in: “What if they don’t like me?” or “What if I say something stupid?”
Remember, everyone faces rejection at some point in their lives—it’s part of the process.
Not everyone you meet will become your best friend, and that’s perfectly okay!
The key is to keep reaching out, to keep trying, because for every person who might not be interested, there could be another who is just waiting for someone like you to come along.
2) Sticking to your comfort zone
I’ll let you in on a little secret: I used to be quite the homebody.
A cozy night in with my books or my favorite TV series was my idea of a perfect evening.
But then, I began to notice a pattern—my social circle wasn’t expanding, and I was starting to feel a bit lonely.
I realized my comfort zone had become a bit of a trap.
So, I started pushing myself: I accepted invitations to events and gatherings that I would have previously turned down, and I joined clubs and tried new hobbies that got me out of the house and into social settings.
And guess what? It worked—it was challenging, sure, but it was also rewarding as I met new people, some of whom became close friends.
Don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone; it might be a little scary at first, but the rewards are well worth it.
3) Ignoring the power of networking
Networking isn’t just for business professionals. It’s a powerful tool for expanding your social circle, too.
Believe it or not, it’s been found that most people are connected to each other through six degrees of separation—that means you’re potentially six introductions away from any person on the planet.
Imagine the potential friends you could meet through networking—by attending gatherings, events, or joining organizations that align with your interests, you could tap into a whole new world of friendship opportunities.
Refrain from underestimating the power of networking as it might just be the key to broadening your social circle as you get older.
4) Avoiding online connections
In the age of technological advancements, there’s no denying that social media has become a significant part of our lives.
Many of us, especially as we get older, tend to shy away from online interactions, deeming them less genuine than face-to-face connections.
But here’s the thing: Digital friendships can be just as meaningful and rewarding.
Online platforms can introduce you to people who share your interests, people you may not have the opportunity to meet otherwise.
Whether it’s joining a Facebook group, participating in an online forum, or even downloading a friendship app, don’t shy away from online connections.
They could be your ticket to a wider social circle.
5) Overlooking the value of listening
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that people appreciate a good listener.
When I was younger, I used to think that being social meant I had to be the life of the party, always talking and entertaining.
But, as I grew older, I realized that listening is just as important, if not more so.
Listening shows people that you genuinely care about what they have to say as it makes them feel valued and understood.
When people feel heard, they’re more likely to open up and form a deeper connection with you and, trust me, those are the relationships that truly enrich your social circle.
6) Assuming you have nothing in common with certain people
As humans, we often gravitate towards people who are similar to us, those who share our interests or are in the same stage of life—it’s natural, comfortable even.
But sometimes, the most rewarding friendships can come from the most unexpected places.
Don’t rule out potential friends just because they’re different from you.
You never know, that person who seems so different on the surface might share a hidden passion with you, or they could introduce you to a whole new world you never knew existed.
Embrace diversity in your relationships—differences can breed understanding and growth, and ultimately, expand your social circle in ways you never thought possible.
7) Neglecting existing relationships
While we’re all for meeting new people and expanding your circle, let’s not forget about the friends you already have.
Maintaining existing friendships is just as important as making new ones.
In fact, long-term friends often serve as bridges to meet new people.
You know that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with but keep putting it off? Now’s the time to give them a call, send them a text, or even plan a catch-up over coffee.
Who knows? They might just introduce you to your next best friend!
8) Forgetting to be yourself
At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is to be authentic.
People are drawn to authenticity. It’s what makes you, well, you.
A person like you doesn’t need to change who you are to fit in or make friends—the best relationships are formed when you’re true to yourself and allow others to do the same.
Stop hiding your quirks or your passions, and flaunt them instead.
Being yourself is the best way to attract people who will appreciate and value you for who you truly are.
Embracing change and growth
If you’ve come this far, it’s clear you’re ready for positive change, and that’s admirable.
Expanding your social circle is cultivating meaningful connections that enrich your life.
It’s never too late to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and grow—each new connection brings fresh perspectives, shared passions, or simple joy.
Let go of old habits and embrace the endless possibilities new friendships can offer.
In the words of C.S. Lewis, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'”
You never know where your next “You too?” moment is waiting—go on, step out there and find it!
