Hello!

I’m quite shy and I have trouble making friends. What do you do to make friends as an adult? I seem to push people away from me and don’t like asking people if they want to head out (in non-COVID times). I don’t feel like I mesh well with people and I’m just a bit awkward.

Do you have any tips for making friends? Being less socially awkward?


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  • I am a loner dont have any friends at all now and its alright by me as I am too not socially type of person it makes me anxious


  • I would start online (but local to you) to gain some confidence and then gradually meet these people you have been talking too.


  • We all connect different to the people around us and not everyone is our cup of tea. Maybe you just need to bump into the right person. Just be yourself, don’t try to be someone else then you are.


  • This sounds so much like me. I think it helps for me to know that these feelings are normal and other people feel this way to. I have been really trying to make an effort with the friends that I have as well as making new friends. I wish you the best. Being an adult is hard!


  • Wow you sound like me. I find just really listening and asking questions helps. It does take alot of energy out of you though. Sometimes I wonder if friends are worth it though? I have anxiety aswell and I can’t handle people calling or texting too often either.

    Ohh.. you could try find people as awkward as you. Do things you like doing.. the right people will find you!


  • Yes, yes, yes…. and i feel super weird making the first move, like at the park and i see the same person a few times, and say hi etc.. Lockdown has made me super introverted (and I have been an extrovert my entire life)


  • I have felt this way in the past but more recently have realized that many of my friends were feeling the same way so we didn’t really connect. My advise would be to take the step to make plans – even if its only with one other person to start with and just talk. Another great way to make friends is to go on a retreat.. amazing experience in all ways but perfect for meeting like minded people.


  • I have trouble meeting new friends. I tend to have more online. I used to ask people if they’d like to catch up but majority of them either ignore or are always too busy.


  • Unfortunately I have been hurt too many times by so called friends throughout my younger years that I became very guarded & find it very difficult to make new friends or trust that they are not going to hurt me or talk behind my back. To be completely honest, I only have two friends that I consider true friends. I have relationships with other women but I don’t believe they miss me when I’m not around. I have tried to teach my children that there are three types of friends. Friends for a season, friends for a reason & friends for life. I think it helps when friendships fade or end badly to be able to reflect on what the friendship taught or gave you, or even what impact you had on their life.


  • Yes, I know where you’re coming from. I have anxiety, and social situations are awkward for me. Apparently I don’t show this outwardly though, which is interesting. I tend to socialize with mum’s I’ve managed to connect with at my daughter’s school. But maybe have a look at your local libraries or community centres, and see if there’s a group that interests you such as a book club or craft club. Then you’ve got some common ground to start from. If you’re in Perth, certain libraries and community centres have women’s groups that meet to help build confidence. Check out Canning Libraries, and Naala Djookan Healing Centre in Mirrabooka.


  • No, but I can offer you the comfort that you’re not alone. I find it really hard to make friends too.


  • Wish to help you but I am on the same boat


  • It’s so much more difficult making friends as an adult, and I find it harder the older that I get!
    Do you enjoy art or craft? You could try signing up for a class if so? That way you can meet people with a similar interest to you, but the pressure is off because you have an activity to distract you and take the focus off maintaining constant conversation as well.


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