7 Icebreaker Phrases to Help Adults Make New Friends

Making new friends as an adult can be challenging, but it is still possible according to a psychology researcher at the University of Maryland. Studies show that 58% of American adults are lonely and people lose half their friends every seven years on average.

To help adults build new friendships, experts suggest using seven icebreaker phrases to start conversations, including complimenting someone's style, asking about their interests, and finding common ground. The key is to take the initiative to reach out and cultivate new connections, rather than waiting for friendships to develop on their own.

Research indicates that people are generally more open to conversation than one might assume. One study found that 92% of strangers were receptive to talking when approached. "People are a lot more open to a conversation than we think they are," said Marisa Franco, a psychologist who studies friendship.

The challenges of making friends as an adult are particularly acute in large cities. In Los Angeles, 27-year-old Emmely Avila created the "Los Angeles Friends group to help herself and others find deeper connections. After struggling to make friends, Avila turned to TikTok and received an overwhelming response from other Angelenos feeling lonely, leading her to start the group.

The "Los Angeles Friends" group has grown to over 150 members through monthly meetups and social activities. Avila's friendship with Mary Delgado, which blossomed through the group, highlights the importance of creating opportunities for adults to socialize and form meaningful bonds, especially in sprawling urban areas where meeting new people can be difficult.

Why this matters: The prevalence of loneliness among American adults underscores the need for initiatives and strategies to foster social connections. Groups like "Los Angeles Friends" demonstrate the potential for community-driven efforts to combat isolation and build friendships in an increasingly disconnected society.

Franco emphasized that while making friends as an adult requires effort, it is a worthwhile endeavor. "Friendship is not a nice-to-have, it's a must-have," she said. "We have to put in the time if we want to have friends if we want to have a circle of people who we can count on." With a proactive approach and the right icebreakers, adults can overcome the challenges and forge new, lasting friendships at any stage of life.

Key Takeaways

• 58% of US adults are lonely, losing half their friends every 7 years.
• Experts suggest using 7 icebreaker phrases to start conversations and build connections.
• 92% of strangers are receptive to talking when approached, contrary to assumptions.
• The "Los Angeles Friends" group helps adults in large cities form meaningful bonds.
• Friendship is essential, requiring effort but offering worthwhile benefits.