How to make (and Keep) friends as an adult: The modern woman’s guide to connection
Once upon a time, making friends was as effortless as asking if someone wanted to swap stickers or sit together at lunch. As children, and even into our teenage years, the world was a petri dish of potential friendships, fertilised by proximity, routine, and the sheer inevitability of shared experiences. By the time we hit our 20s and 30s, however, that effortless magic begins to fade. Life gets busier. People become choosier. And—dare we say it—friendship starts to feel a bit like dating: equal parts thrilling and terrifying, with the ever-present possibility of ghosting.
Yet, here we are. Women in search of connection, craving more than just a mutual "like" on Instagram. Welcome to Club Coast, LITERALLY designed with this very quandary in mind. Here. Here is your invitation to step out of the digital echo chamber and meet other women who, like you, want more from their social lives than just a Wi-Fi connection. We offer a range of events tailored to diverse interests, whether you're a bookworm, a fitness enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good cocktail and conversation.
Anyway…
The art of making new friends… It’s not as simple as it sounds
Let’s face it: adult friendships are a paradox. On one hand, the world is brimming with opportunities to meet new people. On the other, we’ve become so attached to our comfort zones (and Netflix queues) that we often avoid them. Making friends requires effort—an uncomfortable truth in an era where many of us have grown accustomed to convenience.
In childhood, friendships formed effortlessly because our lives were naturally structured to encourage them. School, sports teams, and after-school activities gave us a built-in pool of peers. But as adults, the structures shift. Workplaces, while still fertile ground for connections, come with their own set of complications—hello, office politics. And if you’re working remotely (that’s my one and only mention, I promise), the chance encounters that spark friendships become even rarer.
Then there’s the matter of personal preferences. As we age, we develop more distinct tastes—not just in wine or TV shows but in the kind of people we want to spend time with. This is both liberating and limiting. While shared interests are the backbone of most adult friendships, they can also be an excuse to stay in your bubble. “I don’t know anyone else who’s into tablescapes and Led Zeppelin,” you might say. Well, Club Coast is here to tell you otherwise.
Maintaining friendships: the real test
If making friends is like dating, maintaining friendships is like marriage: it requires attention, effort, and the occasional honest conversation about unmet expectations. Life in your 20s and 30s is dynamic. Careers, relationships, and, yes, even geography pull people in different directions. The group of friends you saw every weekend in your early 20s might now be scattered across cities, continents, or simply different stages of life.
One of the biggest barriers to maintaining friendships is time—or the perceived lack of it. But let’s be honest: how much of that “busy” time is actually spent doomscrolling or rewatching The Office? Investing in friendships requires a mindset shift. It’s about prioritising people, even when life feels overwhelming.
Then there’s the question of vulnerability. As adults, we’re often reluctant to show our messier sides. But intimacy—true connection—requires it. So ask yourself: when was the last time you truly opened up to a friend? When was the last time you gave someone the chance to truly open up to you?
Why women need community now more than ever
COVID-19 (yes, I’m only mentioning it once) left many of us isolated, and re-entering the world has been a mixed bag. Some embraced the opportunity to reconnect, while others found themselves in a social rut. Communities like Club Coast are a lifeline for the latter, offering a way to re-engage with the world on your terms.
What attracts people to the club is its range of options. Prefer a low-key coffee chat? They’ve got you covered. Want to try paddleboarding or join a wine tasting? You’ll find those, too. It’s not just about making friends—it’s about discovering new facets of yourself along the way.
The Questions we all need to ask ourselves
So here’s the real question: what are you waiting for? Friendship isn’t just about finding the right people; it’s about being the right person. Are you showing up for others the way you want them to show up for you? Are you making the effort to nurture relationships, or are you waiting for someone else to take the lead?
I believe that friendships are one of life’s greatest joys. So why not take a chance? Join an event. Strike up a conversation. Who knows? The next great friendship of your life could be waiting just around the corner.
We’d love to hear your thoughts. What’s been your biggest challenge in making or maintaining friendships as an adult? Share your experiences in the comments below—and maybe, just maybe, take that next step toward connection.
Nikki x
