Making Friends as an Adult [Podcast Episode]

As teenagers, after many years of success, we think it’s going to be easy to make and keep friends as an adult, but often, the opposite tends to be true. Nowadays, we’re so connected to our phones but are more and more disconnected from what’s happening right in front of our faces. Of course, being on our phones and on Social Media serves a purpose. It actually allows us to focus on our long-term friends via phone calls and text. But research shows that we all need real-life connections for the benefit of our mental health and to reduce anxiety and depression in adults.

There’s a connection between life transitions and friend transitions. Think about it, when you have kids, when you’re moving, switching jobs, or when your kids hit a new developmental transition, these are the times the urge to find new friends comes up the strongest.

In today’s podcast episode, I’m sharing tips and strategies that will help you make friends easier. It’s going to be a little awkward, but I can tell you this: it’ll be worth it!

“Just being vulnerable, in order to let other people be vulnerable, is a huge way to make friends”
– Amanda Sovik-Johnston

In this episode on making friends as an adult, we cover:

> Why it’s difficult to make friends as an adult;
> The three conditions that need to happen in order to make new friends, according to research;
> The strategies I use to make new friends as an adult;
> Examples of how to implement all of this in your daily life;
> How to make new friends without it revolving around drinking;
> And so much more!

If you are struggling to make new friends as an adult, this episode is for you. You can find our podcast Active and Connected Families wherever you listen to your podcasts, or easily click the links below to listen:

Click here to listen on Spotify!

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts!

Click here to listen on Google Podcasts!

Click here to listen on Stitcher!

More about your host, Amanda Sovik-Johnston, Ph.D.
Amanda is the owner of Virginia Family Therapy and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in working with pre-teen and teenage girls as well as families of all ages. She has a special interest in working with families of female physicians as well as high-achieving athletes.

You can learn more about Amanda here.

More about Virginia Family Therapy
Virginia Family Therapy is a mental health practice serving individuals, families, and our community. VFT is designed to help people at all stages and from all walks of life by offering therapists and physicians with diverse backgrounds and specialties via face-to-face, walk-and-talk, and telemedicine appointments. Throughout, we are committed to developing strengths-based, authentic, and long-lasting relationships with you and your children. We hope to provide you with the support and insight you need to help your family navigate life’s hard times and joys.

You can contact us here.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode
> Are you or your child struggling with mental health? We have a team of psychologists and psychiatrists who can help you out. Don’t hesitate to contact us here.
> We’d love to hear your feedback on our podcast. Why not leave us a review on Apple Podcasts?
> Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.
> We’ve got a bunch of episodes for you to binge-listen to! How about one of our most listened-to episodes on how we explain anxiety to kids and families?

Disclaimer: Please remember we are real live therapists, however this is a podcast and is not considered a therapy session. Not only because there is no co-pay but also because we can’t speak to your individual experiences. We are here to help you keep raising healthy kids. And remember, if you are an imperfect parent, we are right there with you. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please call your local crisis hotline or go to your nearest emergency room.