I never knew it'd be so difficult to find friends as an adult - Jamie Otis Hehner
Navigating How to Build Friendships as an Adult
Yep, we all know how it goes.
We all need community in order to thrive but why is making friends harder than it used to be?!
Jamie Otis Hehner, former “Bachelor” and “Married at First Sight” contestant & co-host of the hit podcast
”Hot Marriage. Cool Parents” opened up about her experiences making friends as an adult in a recent episode of their show.
Read all about it below!
“I never knew it'd be so difficult to find friends as an adult. A few years ago, we moved across the country. We knew no one when we settled down in Sarasota, Florida. I tried to scout out friends at the park. I'd take my kids to the playground and look for other moms who seemed about my age, with kids about my children's age. I'd try to casually strike up a conversation. It usually led to nothing, but one time I exchanged numbers with a mama who seemed pretty cool. We planned on meeting up. I got so excited! It was almost like giving a boy my number back in high school & then waiting by the phone every night for his call. Instead, I was an over-achiever who probably scared her away by texting her too eagerly for our meetup! I never heard back from her.
Everyone kept telling me, "Just wait til your kids are in school! You'll make friends with other moms then."
My daughter began kindergarten last year, so I jumped at every chance to volunteer! I became a garden mom & a room mom! Luckily, I did indeed make a couple friends this way!
Another way I've made friends is by joining a pickleball league. I've won one game out of oh about 20, but who's keeping score?! I feel like a winner regardless of my DUPR score because I've made countless friends! And they're friends of all ages and stages in life.
If you're having trouble making friends as an adult, I FEEL ya! It can be so challenging. Especially if you're a stay-at-home mom/dad or work remotely. My advice is to find a hobby you love and join a team/club. Not only does it get you doing something you enjoy, but it'll also introduce you to people who have the same interests as you!
Lastly, pray and meditate about it. I may just be making myself seem desperate now - ha! - but I would literally pray for the right people to come into my life. I'd meditate and envision having quality friends by my side.
I went from moving to a new state not knowing a soul to having about a dozen friends I keep in touch with and see regularly.
Believe you deserve a loving, kind friendship and then don't be scared to put yourself in situations that will help you attain these relationships! It's scary at first, but it is so worth it. They will come!”
