Learn how to build community in big and small ways with these simple, practical ideas for making friends all around.
Life is all about making connections with others. Not just family and friends, but complete strangers too. After all, community is a beautiful thing. It can deepen your spiritual faith, foster a sense of belonging, and make you feel more understood and less alone. That’s extra important given that we’re in the midst of a loneliness epidemic.
But did you know making connections can also do wonders for your health?
How Community Benefits Mind, Body, and Soul
The bonds of family, friendship, and community go deep. For real. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who have “stronger social bonds have a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those who have fewer social connections.” In addition to boosting longevity, the CDC points out that social connection can help you better recover from anxiety and depression, lead to healthier eating habits and weight, help prevent heart disease and dementia, and even aid sleep.
Take, for example, the Blue Zones. These are areas across the globe, from California to Greece to Japan, that have high concentrations of centenarians, i.e. people who have lived to 100 years of age or older. One of the Blue Zone secrets to longevity? People in these areas often have strong community ties, whether it’s going to church or prioritizing family time.
Ideas for Building Meaningful Connections
So how do you make friends and develop strong community ties…especially in a world that’s increasingly reliant on digital connections? We know it might seem like an impossible feat, but fear not. You don’t have to travel to Greece to tap into the power of community! There are tons of ways to connect with those around you…both in-person and virtually.
If you’re in need of some quality community or belonging, try one of these 10 ideas for connection. Who knows? You might just make a new friend!
1. Seek a long-lost connection.
It happens to us all. You’re going about your day and someone from the past pops into your head. Maybe an old co-worker or a childhood friend. Think of these little nudges as a sign from above to reach out to that person. Especially if the nudge keeps popping up.
Reach out via phone, text, email, or social media, and then see what happens. If you need a little inspiration of what to say, try something like: “You popped into my head today and I wanted to say hi. How are you?” It’s that simple to start a conversation and connect with others.
2. Do something you love.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received about how to make new friends? Don’t force making social connections. Instead, do something you love, like a sport or singing karaoke. And then use that to connect with others. That way, even if you don’t make friends, you’re still doing something that fills you with joy. It’s a low-stakes way to make connections, and it can organically draw more like-minded people into your orbit. Just think: You’ll always have something meaningful to discuss with these acquaintances…your mutual hobby!
3. Join a community group.
Get inspired by the Blue Zones and join a community, like a faith-based group, a book club, or even a community garden. Be realistic about your expectations—it’ll take time to feel part of a bigger community. But challenge yourself to attend at least three meetings and to strike up a conversation with at least one person each time. Here are some helpful questions to break the ice: “How long have you been part of this group?” “What was your last vacation?” “Is there a good place nearby to get coffee?”
4. “Network” with friends.
If you’re more comfortable in small groups rather than big ones, play to your strengths! Set up regular coffee chats with friends, family members, acquaintances, or co-workers. Even if you see some of them every day, this will give you the time and space to have more quality conversations where you’re focused on each other outside your usual environment. Think of it like networking. These coffee chats can take place in-person or virtually.
To start, schedule one a week with someone new. Or, if you prefer, make it a regular thing with one person on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. Set up a calendar invite or reminder and be sure to give the meet-up a fun name or theme so it’s something you both look forward to.
5. Sign up for a class.
Whenever I’m feeling uncertain in life, I sign myself up for a class. It’s a no-brainer for making friends, while learning something new. The best part? Everyone in the class is usually at the same level—you’re all there to learn. That makes it easy to connect before, during, and after class. And the options are endless. You can try pottery, tennis, acting, you name it!
6. Embrace small talk with strangers.
We encounter strangers all the time—in the grocery store checkout line, at the doctor’s office, in a restaurant. Challenge yourself to make small talk with these people at least once a day. It can be as simple as saying, “hello” or asking how their day is. These little connections can lead to something bigger and help you to become more aware of the possibilities to connect all around.
7. Volunteer your time.
Empathy is a natural and powerful way to connect with others, and volunteering is a win-win for everyone involved. Choose an activity that plays to your interests and strengths. For example, if you love knitting, you can knit a blanket for children in need through an organization like Knit for Kids. Or, if you’re a talented baker, organize a bake sale with some foodie friends. You can also try a random act of kindness. Treat a stranger to coffee, leave an encouraging note for a waiter on a restaurant receipt, or simply compliment someone’s shoes!
8. Follow the laughter.
Laughing is a powerful thing, especially with other people. Not only is it a stress-reliever, but it’s a natural ice breaker. After all, when you’re laughing with others, you’re connecting with others! Some fun ways to use this tactic: See a comedy show, go to a funny movie (even if you go alone, you’ll be laughing with everyone in the theater!), take a clowning class, sign up for a standup comedy open-mic night, or surprise a friend with a joke.
9. Get to know your neighbors.
It’s easy to ignore those who live closest to us, or to simply wave at your neighbors when your paths cross. But you might actually see your neighbors more often than some of your closest friends. So pick a neighbor you haven’t talked to much and try striking up a conversation. It can be in the elevator of your apartment building or the next time you see them while picking up the mail outside your home.
10. Go on a group trip.
A vacation—even a staycation—is a great way to change your perspective and make new connections. What better way to make friends than by experiencing something new with others? So, the next time you’re planning a trip, make time for group activities or excursions. This could be as simple as a group tour with strangers. Or, if you’re staying closer to home, try a group activity, like a walking tour, food tour, or guided museum tour.
The best part about these ideas to help you connect with others? You can tailor them to your experiences and strengths. And when in doubt, just ask someone about the weather and let the conversation flow from there.
Happy connecting!
