Hey there, fellow twentysomethings looking to make friends. I want to share my personal experience of making friends in a new city and offer some tried-and-true tips for building your social circle.

When I moved from the cozy suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, to the bustling streets of Atlanta, Georgia during the height of the COVID pandemic, I quickly realized that making friends as an adult isn't as effortless as I once thought. Let me take you on my journey and show you how I turned my lonely situation around.

The Reality Check

Like many of us, I had this notion that friendships would naturally blossom as I settled into my new home. Boy, was I wrong! It hit me hard when I found myself spending another Friday night binge-watching shows alone, wishing I had someone to grab a drink with or explore the city. That's when it dawned on me: making friends in your 20s requires intention and effort. It's not like college where you're surrounded by peers and forced interactions. In the "real world," you've got to put yourself out there and make it happen.

Now, let me break down the strategies that worked for me and might just work for you too!

Become a Regular at Local Spots

One of the most effective ways I found to meet people was by becoming a familiar face in my neighborhood. Here's how I did it:

Choose Your Spots: I picked a couple of coffee shops, a local bar, and a park near my apartment.
Consistency is Key: I made it a point to visit these places regularly, sometimes daily for the coffee shop.
Open Body Language: I tried to appear approachable by putting my phone away and making eye contact with others.

Pro Tip: Ask for recommendations! I can't tell you how many conversations I've started by simply asking, "What are you drinking? I'm looking to try something new." It's an easy opener that often leads to more chat.

Personal Anecdote: There's this great little bar called "Taffer’s Tavern" near my place. After about a month of showing up once or twice a week, the bartenders started greeting me by name. Soon enough, other regulars would nod hello, and before I knew it, I was part of the regulars who always knew someone coming to the place. Also, when I met new friends, I was able to take them to a place I loved and felt comfortable as well.

Friends I’ve met in Atlanta at a concert

Join Club Sports and Activities

I know, I know, you've probably heard this one before. But trust me, it works! Here's my take on it:

Variety is the Spice of Life: Don't limit yourself to just one activity. I joined both social and competitive tennis teams.
Stick Around After: The real bonding happens during post-game drinks or cool-down sessions.
Be Consistent: Show up regularly and engage in conversations. Don't just play and leave.

Personal Experience: Through tennis, I met a whole group of friends who each introduced me to their group of friends! It was an easy transition as we already knew that we had an activity in common and could plan to practice together and grab a drink after.

Embrace Bumble BFF

I was skeptical at first, but Bumble BFF turned out to be a game-changer. Here's what I learned:

Cast a Wide Net: Don't just look for carbon copies of yourself. Some of my best friends now have completely different hobbies than me.
Focus on Shared Values: Look for people who align with your lifestyle. Do they prefer nights out or Netflix marathons?
Be Open and Honest: In your profile, clearly state what you're looking for in a friendship.

Funny Story: I actually met one of my closest friends, on a double Bumble BFF "date." We clicked more with each other than with our original matches. Now we laugh about how we "friend-cheated" on our Bumble matches.

Solo Adventures

This one was tough for me at first, but it's been incredibly rewarding:

Start Small: Begin with short outings like grabbing coffee or visiting a museum.
Choose Social Settings: Opt for places where interaction is natural, like community events or classes.
Stay Open: Leave the headphones at home and be ready to chat.

Personal Growth: My first solo travel was terrifying, but by the end of the trip, I had exchanged numbers with a whole crowd of new people who shared my taste in music and love for travel. Now, I love going on trips alone because I always meet interesting people!

Leverage Your Interests

Whatever you're into, there's probably a group for it. Here's how I used this to my advantage:

Use Meetup or Facebook Groups: I found a local photography club this way.
Attend Workshops or Classes: I took a cooking class and made friends over our shared culinary disasters.
Volunteer: I started helping at a local animal shelter and bonded with fellow animal lovers.

Tip: These interest-based meetups are great because you already have a built-in conversation starter!

Facebook Groups

The Hidden Gem: This deserves its own section because it's been such a fantastic resource. I joined Facebook groups for women in their 20s and newcomers to Atlanta. Here's why it's great:

People post intros and events all the time.
It's perfect for last-minute plans. Bored on a Saturday? Check the group!
There are often specific events for newcomers, making it less intimidating.

Real talk: Not long ago, I saw a post about a book that I liked. She wanted to find someone who read the same series so we could talk about it. I went to her birthday party this weekend and met a bunch of great friends. These things really work!

Pro Tip: Be active in these groups. Comment on posts, offer advice, and don't be shy about posting your own meetup ideas. There was a "new in town" picnic in a group I was in in Atlanta that turned into a monthly event!

Overcoming Challenges

It wasn't all smooth sailing. There were awkward silences, ghosted meetups, and moments when I questioned if I'd ever find my tribe. But persistence is key. Each interaction, even the uncomfortable ones, helped me grow more confident.

Remember, everyone feels awkward sometimes. That person you're hesitant to talk to? They might be just as nervous as you are!

Maintaining Friendships: Making friends is just the start. Keeping them takes effort too. I've learned to:

Follow up after meetups with a text or funny tiktok.
Remember important details about their lives and ask about them.
Be reliable. If you say you'll be somewhere, show up!
Initiate plans. Don't always wait for others to suggest hangouts.

The Snowball Effect

Here's the thing about making friends as an adult: it starts slow, but once you get the ball rolling, it picks up speed fast. Those first few connections introduce you to their friends, who introduce you to more people, and suddenly you're turning down invitations because you've got too many social engagements!

The Take Away?

Making friends in your 20s isn't always easy, but it's absolutely doable with the right mindset and approach. Remember, it's a process that takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't have a bustling social life overnight. Keep putting yourself out there, stay open to new experiences, and be patient with yourself.

I went from feeling isolated in a new city to having a diverse, supportive friend group that makes Atlanta feel like home. If I can do it, so can you. Start with one small step today, whether it's researching local clubs or striking up a conversation with your barista. Before you know it, you'll be wondering how you ever had time for all those Netflix binges!

Now, I want to hear from you! What strategies have worked for you in making friends as an adult? Any funny friend-making stories to share? Drop a comment below and let's keep this conversation going!

How to Make New Friends in Your 20s: A Personal Journey and Practical Guide