The Science of Making Friends as an Adult

Article Level: B2

Explanation: This article explores the challenges and strategies of making friends as an adult. It highlights key factors such as time, proximity, shared interests, vulnerability, and effort in building lasting friendships, offering insights into how to form meaningful connections later in life.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

1. Commitment /kəˈmɪtmənt/ (noun): A promise or pledge to do something.

   She made a commitment to meet her friends every weekend.

2. Proximity /prɒkˈsɪmɪti/ (noun): The state of being near or close to something or someone.

   Their proximity to each other at work made it easier to become friends.

3. Vulnerability /ˌvʌlnəˈrɪbɪlɪti/ (noun): The quality of being open to emotional harm or weakness.

   Being vulnerable with others can help you build stronger connections.

4. Gesture /ˈdʒɛstʃər/ (noun): A movement or action used to express a feeling or message.

   A simple gesture, like sending a text, can show that you care.

5. Bond /bɒnd/ (noun): A strong connection or relationship between people.

   They formed a strong bond after spending a lot of time together.

Read more: The Science of Making Friends as an Adult

The Science of Making Friends as an Adult

Making friends as an adult can seem more difficult than when we were children. As we grow older, life gets busier, and our social circles become smaller. We may find ourselves stuck in a routine, making it harder to meet new people. However, building meaningful friendships as an adult is not impossible. In fact, there’s a science behind it that can make the process easier and more rewarding.

One of the main challenges adults face when trying to make friends is a lack of time. Between work, family responsibilities, and other commitments, it can be tough to find time for socialising. This time constraint leads to fewer opportunities for meeting new people. However, research shows that spending quality time with others is key to forming strong bonds. The more time you spend with someone, the more likely you are to develop a friendship. It’s all about quality, not quantity.

Another important factor is proximity. Studies have found that people are more likely to become friends with others who are physically close. This is why workplace friendships or friendships formed in neighbourhoods tend to be stronger. Simply spending time in the same place can create opportunities for connection. This doesn’t mean that online friendships don’t count, but face-to-face interactions are generally more powerful for building lasting relationships.

Shared interests are also a key part of forming friendships. Engaging in activities that you enjoy, such as joining a club, taking a class, or volunteering, can help you meet people with similar hobbies or values. When you share common ground, the conversation flows more easily, and it’s easier to develop a connection. This is why finding a group or activity that matches your interests is one of the most effective ways to make friends as an adult.

The science of making friends also includes understanding the importance of vulnerability. Opening up to someone about your feelings, experiences, and personal thoughts can deepen your connection. Vulnerability creates trust and helps people relate to each other on a more emotional level. However, this must be done gradually. Trust is built over time, and rushing it can have the opposite effect.

Lastly, maintaining friendships requires effort. Unlike in childhood, where friendships are formed simply by spending time together, adult friendships need maintenance. This can involve regular communication, checking in with each other, and being there in times of need. Small gestures, such as sending a message to see how someone is doing, can go a long way in preserving a strong bond.

In conclusion, making friends as an adult can be challenging, but it is entirely possible. By prioritising quality time, engaging in activities with others, being vulnerable, and maintaining connections, adults can form lasting and meaningful friendships. With a bit of effort and understanding of the science behind friendships, anyone can build a solid social circle later in life.

Grammar Notes

The article uses several grammar structures typical of the B2 level, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., “When you share common ground, the conversation flows more easily”), modals for advice and possibility (e.g., “it can be tough to find time,” “it is entirely possible”), and phrases with prepositions (e.g., “spending time with,” “creating opportunities for connection”).

Short Grammar Lesson:

• Complex Sentences: These are sentences that have an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. For example: “When you share common ground, the conversation flows more easily.” The dependent clause is “When you share common ground,” and the independent clause is “the conversation flows more easily.”
• Modals (can, may, might): These verbs express possibility, ability, or permission. For instance, “It can be tough to find time,” expresses possibility, indicating that finding time for socialising may be difficult.

Five Questions Based on the Article

• What is one of the main challenges adults face when making friends?

• Why is proximity important in forming friendships?

• How can shared interests help adults make friends?

• Why is vulnerability important in building friendships?

• What is one way to maintain friendships as an adult?

   

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