69: How to Make Friends as an Adult (Even When You’re Busy)

Written By Kimberly Knull, RPsych

Forging and Nurturing Adult Friendships: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Vulnerability

In today's episode, we explore the complexities of making and maintaining friendships as an adult.

Friendship is a happiness booster—and research shows that strong social connections not only improve our mental well-being but also help us live longer. But let’s be real: as adults, building friendships can feel overwhelming. Between careers, family responsibilities, and the fear of rejection, it’s easy to feel isolated—even when we don’t mean it to be.

That’s why, as a psychologist, I give my clients tools to make the process of making new friends as an adult feel a little less painful. 

Today, I'm sharing professional insights as well as personal experiences from my travels and routines to help you overcome loneliness and prioritize meaningful social interactions.

We'll discuss the innate need we all have to contribute to social gatherings and cultivate the courage to forge new connections, even at retreats. Inspired by Stephen Covey's advice, we'll look at the importance of a balanced life that includes genuine friendships outside of work and family.

Here are the key takeaways:

  • Taking risks is essential for making new friends and personal growth, even if there's a chance of rejection.

  • Vulnerability and trust are vital for deep relationships and managing stress.

  • Practical steps for overcoming loneliness and staying connected with routines.

  • Contributions to social gatherings can create meaningful connections.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Therapy Explained Podcast

00:24 The Challenge of Making Friends as Adults

03:01 The Importance of Social Connections

03:48 Lessons from Italian Community Life

10:03 Practical Tips for Maintaining Friendships

12:56 Meeting New People and Building Friendships

14:05 Taking Chances on New Social Opportunities

15:28 Navigating New Social Situations

16:43 Embracing Authenticity

17:39 The Power of Genuine Interest

18:29 Contributing to Group Dynamics

19:59 Cultural Experiences in Texas

21:28 Handling Social Anxiety

24:03 Balancing Work and Social Life

26:11 The Importance of Friendships

27:51 Taking Risks to Make Friends

28:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Kimberly Knull, RPsych

Kimberly Knull is a Registered Psychologist, motivational speaker and trained by Brené Brown as a Dare to Lead™ and Daring Way™ facilitator. She’s the Co-Founder of Momentum Walk-In Counselling Society, recognized as one of Avenue magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, and dabbled as a local celebrity as CBC AM Radio’s parenting columnist. Her favorite pastimes include whipping up a yummy cheese souffle, hanging with friends, riding her horses or playing the piano. She lives with her husband and two girls in Edmonton, Alberta, but has big dreams of moving to the country.

https://www.kimberlyknull.com
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