How to Find Friends When You're Forty

Friends are important at all ages.

Making friends at any age can be difficult, but when you reach your forties, the task can be more daunting. Most people in their forties aren't in school or beginning new jobs, which prevents them from meeting new people. Adults who had children see them leave home, and there are no friends to fill in their new free time. When it has been years since you've made new friends, it may seem impossible to learn how again, but you can do it.

Instructions

1. Call or write to old friends that you have lost contact with. Rebuilding relationships with old friends may be easier than making new ones.

2. Join a local club or group based on a subject you enjoy for adults. Book clubs and poetry readings are a good place to start if you enjoy the arts. Jogging and bicycling groups are available for people that like physical activity.

3. Take a class at a local school or community center. Adult education classes are available at most colleges. Yoga, dance and athletic classes are available at many community centers for ages 40 and up.

4. Practice talking to strangers and introducing yourself by talking into the mirror and role playing. Pretend you are the person you are meeting, and imagine their response to your words.

5. Volunteer at the local animal shelter, homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Many adults volunteer their hours to help others, and you can meet like-minded people.

References

• VegWeb; Making Friends as we Age (40+)
• Today; One Woman's Quest to Find Friends at 40; Cari Shane Parven; 2011

Resources

• YMCA