I have started successful businesses. Fought a critical disease for 8+ years now. Struggled thru but completed a masters degree in Math. Yet making new friends? It is the hardest thing I have ever done.
Recently moved to downtown in a major city. I am younger than everyone around me. Need to make freinds, almost feels like my life depends on it given every other facet is completed.
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It’s so hard! I think many adults struggle with this when they end up living away from where they grew up to went to college. I have learned a couple of things that help: 1) check any tendency you might have to be judgmental; 2) say yes – if invited anywhere, say yes and keep saying yes; 3) try not to fear rejection – ask people to do things and if they say no, be fine with that; 4) get hobbies and niche interests; 5) cultivate acquaintances because you never know who may grow into a friend; 6) always be a good listener, people love to talk about themselves, but also share some of yourself as well as they like to hear about your own foibles.
Last thought – people like to feel needed – asking someone to do a favor for you may seem counterintuitive but it can work to develop a bond.
activities/hobbies where you can go multiple times.. as an adult, I don’t see an alternative
Activity /hobby groups are a good one. I run so I joined a running group. I did the same for yoga and learning Spanish. Like interests at least fosters conversation topics. I also made friends with coworkers even though that can sometimes be a negative. I moved across the country (US) and these things worked for me.