Making friends as an adult can feel like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded. You know the pieces are there, you just can’t seem to make them fit.

You know the pieces are there, you just can’t seem to make them fit.

But fear not, dear human, because making friends as an adult is not impossible. It just requires a bit more effort and strategy than it did back in your elementary school days.

Here are 7 tips to help you navigate the sometimes-rocky waters of adult friendship:

Embrace your inner weirdo

One of the best things about being an adult is that you don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not to fit in. Embrace your quirks and interests, and don’t be afraid to let them show. Chances are, there are other people out there who share your weird hobbies and passions.

Get out of the house

Making friends as an adult requires actually putting yourself out there. Sign up for a class or club that interests you, attend networking events or conferences, or even just take a walk around your neighborhood. The more you put yourself in social situations, the more opportunities you’ll have to meet new people.

Be open to different types of friendships

As adults, our lives tend to become more complex and we have less time to devote to friendships. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to have a smaller number of friends. Be open to different types of friendships, whether they be casual or deep. You don’t need to spend all your free time with a new friend to consider them a friend.

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes

A crucial aspect of any friendship is the ability to understand and empathize with the other person. Make an effort to understand their perspective and be supportive, even if you don’t agree with them.

Don’t be afraid to make the first move

As adults, we can often become passive in our pursuit of new friendships. But remember, you won’t make any new friends if you’re always waiting for others to make the first move. So go ahead and invite that colleague you always chat with at work for lunch, or reach out to that person on social media you admire from afar.

Be consistent

Friendship, like most things in life, requires effort to maintain. Make an effort to keep in touch with the people you care about and make plans to get together regularly. A quick message or call once a week can make a big difference in keeping a friendship alive.

Don’t give up

Finding friends as an adult can be a process and it may take time. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to find people you click with. Keep trying different things and putting yourself out there, and eventually, you’ll find the friendships you’re looking for.

Remember, making friends as an adult can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Keep these tips in mind and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. With time, effort, and a little bit of luck, you’ll find the friends you’ve been looking for.