Why is it so hard to make friends?
As we age, finding and maintaining friendships can become increasingly challenging. With busy schedules, family obligations, and the natural changes that occur as we grow older, it can be difficult to cultivate and sustain meaningful connections with others. Staying active and healthy can be a great way to overcome these challenges; with mental, physical and social benefits.
One of the biggest obstacles women face when finding friends as they age is simply finding the time to connect with others. Between work, family commitments, and other responsibilities, it can take a lot of work to carve out time for socializing. Many women may find that their social circles have shrunk, with old friends moving away, passing away, or simply growing apart. Let’s face it, without school or bars as a main staple in our lives, and many working remotely, are you supposed to just walk up to someone at Starbucks and say, “cute shoes” and hope you become besties?
Forget Starbucks, we’re all too sleepy when we’re there to muster up anything beyond, “thanks” and a tired smile. Activity can be your ticket! Meeting new people through a fitness class, a round of golf, or a group clinic to learn a new sport (pickleball, anyone?) is a great way to do something while you’re also having small talk.
When meeting new people and making friends, many women find pushing themselves outside their comfort zones demanding. Introducing themselves to someone new or joining a new social group can feel intimidating, especially if they're wondering if they'll have anything in common with the other person. This is where sports can be an excellent tool for reducing social awkwardness and building connections. By participating in a sport, women have a shared interest with others in the group, which can help break the ice and make it easier to start conversations. Additionally, the physical activity involved in sports can be a natural mood booster, making women feel more confident and open to meeting new people. Whether it's a recreational league or a more competitive team, sports can be a great way to expand social circles and build meaningful friendships. Plus, many activities like pickleball, golf, sailing and others have a solid social component (hello, 19th hole!), which can always be a great incentive to stick around until the end.
It's always possible to start building friendships that can help make life fulfilling and joyful. So, forget about "being good" and get out and have fun. You never know who you might meet!
