As we get older, it can be harder to make friends. We often have busy schedules and established routines, which can make meeting new people a challenge. However, events are a great opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests. Here are some tips for making friends as an adult during events:

1. Attend events that interest you: Attending events that align with your interests is a great way to meet people who share similar passions. When you attend an event that interests you, you are more likely to meet others who are passionate about the same things. Additionally, attending events that interest you allows you to be authentic and true to yourself. You don’t have to pretend to be interested in something just to please a friend or colleague. When you attend events that interest you, you can be your true self and connect with others who appreciate you for who you are.
2. Start small: Don’t feel like you have to make best friends right away. Start by introducing yourself to someone nearby and strike up a conversation. Ask about their interests and share a bit about your own.
3. Use technology: Technology has made it easier than ever to connect with others, even during events. Many events have apps or social media groups where attendees can connect with each other before, during, and after the event. Use these platforms to find people with similar interests and arrange to meet up during the event. For example, you could join a Facebook group for attendees of a music festival and connect with others who are excited to see the same bands as you. Or you could use an event app to find people who are attending the same workshop as you and arrange to sit together.
4. Don’t be afraid to attend events alone It can be daunting to attend an event alone, but it can also be a great opportunity to meet new people. Without the distraction of a friend or colleague, you may be more open to striking up a conversation with a stranger. For example, if you attend a networking event alone, you may be more likely to approach new people and introduce yourself. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try attending events on your own.
5. Join group activities: Many events offer group activities, such as workshops, tours, or team-building exercises. These are great opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests or goals. For example, if you attend a writing conference, you could sign up for a writing workshop and connect with others who are passionate about writing. Or if you attend a team-building event for work, you could participate in group activities and connect with colleagues who you may not interact with on a daily basis.
6. Follow up: If you meet someone you click with at an event, make sure to exchange contact information and follow up after the event. This could be as simple as sending a quick message to say you enjoyed meeting them and would love to grab coffee sometime. Following up shows that you value the connection you made and are interested in continuing the conversation. You never know where a new connection may lead, so make sure to nurture those relationships and keep in touch.

Making friends as an adult can be challenging, but events offer a great opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests. By attending events that interest you, and using technology to connect with others, you can expand your social circle and make meaningful connections.

In summary, attending events alone and attending events that interest you can help you make friends as an adult. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and attend events alone, and make sure to attend events that align with your passions and interests. By doing so, you’ll be more likely to meet new people who share your values and appreciate you for who you are.