My old friends canceled on me yet again. We’ve been trying to have lunch or dinner together for years, and it's pretty frustrating.
31% of Americans say they find it challenging to make new friends. I totally get it. I’ve struggled to make new friends, especially after moving away from the Bay Area in California about eight years ago and leaving the corporate world to work as a solopreneur about 14 years ago. My old social circles have slowly slipped away.
Many people I know have talked about how hard it is to make friends as you grow older. It was a lot easier while we were in school and during our early career years. But, once people got married and started families, the free time in our lives evaporated. It’s hard to make time for recreation and meeting new people when you’re working long hours and raising a family!
Another unfortunate complication in the U.S. has made it even more difficult to make new friends or even maintain old friendships: the political divide that has torn this country apart for the past eight years. People’s views have polarized, and social media has made it worse. I know some folks who are no longer talking to their parents, other close relatives, or old friends. It’s pretty bad.
I’ve lost friends because I won’t tolerate people who are racist, sexist, or homophobic. I had no idea that some of these people held these beliefs until it became okay to blast hate-filled rhetoric all over social media. Now, I know.
So, how do you make friends in this modern world?
Yes, you can make online friends all over the world, and I have. But it’s not the same as having local friends. It’s really nice to have a drink with a friend, enjoy a nice dinner with another couple, or go hiking with some interesting new folks.
I explore this topic more in this podcast episode. So, scroll up, hit play, and listen.
What has worked well for you? Leave a comment and help us out!
I’m Larry Cornett, a Freedom Coach who works with you to optimize your career, business, and life. My mission is to help you become a more "Invincible You" so you can live your life on your terms instead of being controlled by someone else's rules. I live in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with my wife and our Great Dane.
🎙️ Why Is It So Hard to Make Friends? (Issue 106)