You don’t need me to tell you what you probably already know: Forming new friendships in adulthood feels close to impossible (unless you’re a preternaturally charming social butterfly, in which case, good for you!).
For the rest of us, introducing yourself to people is awkward, and inviting someone new to hang out can be more nerve-wracking than asking your crush out on a date. Even if you do schedule a time to meet, who has time for regular get-togethers when you hardly see your current friends as it is? Why Does Making Friends Get So Much Harder as We Get Older, Even Though We Need Friendships More Than Ever to Maintain Our Emotional and Mental Well-Being?
The Social Structures That Made Friendship Easier in Childhood and Why They Disappear as We Enter Adulthood
As kids, we were constantly thrown into social settings—school, sports, playdates—where spending 200+ hours together naturally led to friendship. Structured environments gave us built-in time to form close bonds without extra effort. But as adults, those spaces no longer exist, and making friends requires much more effort and intention.
The Demands of Adulthood That Drain Social Energy and Make It Feel Impossible to Prioritize New Friendships
In adulthood, time is scarce, and we’re spread thin between work, family, and existing relationships. Our social priorities shift, and keeping up with friendships can start to feel like a luxury instead of a necessity. Without structured social environments, we must create our own, which can feel overwhelming when we’re already stretched thin.
The Effects of Remote Work and Social Isolation on Friendship-Making and How Our Digital-First World Has Changed Socialization
Modern life isn’t doing us any favors, either. Remote work has made workplace friendships harder to build, and general burnout makes socializing feel like another obligation rather than a joy. Additionally, relying on digital interactions instead of in-person gatherings has led to shallower relationships that often lack the depth of true connection.
The Psychological Barriers to Making New Friends and How Our Own Insecurities Hold Us Back From Forming Meaningful Relationships
Then there’s the “liking gap”—we assume others aren’t as interested in befriending us as we are in them, making us hesitant to reach out. Fear of rejection or awkwardness keeps many people from initiating new connections. Our inner doubts and past experiences may make us feel like forming new friendships is more trouble than it’s worth.
How Shared Experiences Can Help Overcome the Barriers That Make It Hard to Form New Friendships as Adults and Create Authentic, Lasting Bonds
Why Shared Experiences Are the Key to Building Strong, Meaningful, and Lasting Friendships in a Way That Feels Natural
One of the best ways to build connections is through shared experiences. Studies show that spending extended time with the same group of people fosters deeper relationships and trust. When people engage in activities together, they form memories, rely on each other, and naturally grow closer, which removes the pressure of forced socialization.
How Small Group Travel Creates the Perfect Setting for Meaningful Friendships That Extend Far Beyond the Duration of the Trip
That’s why small group travel (like our 8- to 10-person tours) is such an effective way to make meaningful friendships. When you travel with a group, you’re automatically placed in an environment where you’re spending extended time together—exploring new places, sharing meals, and experiencing unforgettable moments. There’s no need to manufacture opportunities to meet up; they happen organically, creating bonds that last far beyond the trip.
Struggling to Make New Friends? Travel With a Small Group and Forge Meaningful Connections Along the Way While Exploring Exciting New Destinations
Why Travel Offers an Effortless, Built-In Solution to Building Friendships Without the Stress and Uncertainty of Traditional Socializing
If making friends feels overwhelming, consider a small group tour as an easy and natural way to connect with like-minded people. Traveling together allows you to experience new cultures, enjoy shared adventures, and form bonds in a stress-free setting. Unlike traditional socializing, where you must constantly initiate interactions, travel provides built-in companionship and conversation starters.
Make Friendship a Priority Without Rearranging Your Busy Life or Overcommitting to Social Engagements You Might Not Enjoy
Instead of trying to carve out time for friendships in your already packed schedule, why not build them while having the time of your life? Travel makes friendship effortless by giving you built-in time and activities to connect with others. There’s no need to fit in happy hours or networking events—friendship happens naturally when you’re exploring a new place together.
Join One of Our Upcoming Tours and Experience the Magic of Friendship Through Travel, Because Meaningful Connections Are Easier to Find Than You Think
Join one of our upcoming tours and see just how effortless forming connections can be. Whether you’re exploring Sicily, Japan, or New Zealand, you’ll find yourself surrounded by fellow travelers who are just as eager to share the adventure. The friendships you make during your travels could become some of the most cherished connections in your life.
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