Building friendships as an adult can feel daunting, but it’s an essential part of crafting a fulfilling and balanced life. Unlike childhood or college friendships, adult relationships often form under different circumstances, as people juggle busy schedules, demanding careers, family responsibilities, and other personal commitments.

It’s a big challenge, but you can minimize that challenge when you know which mistakes to avoid when trying to make friends as an adult. While putting yourself out there is key, you must also recognize and avoid certain pitfalls.

Overthinking Every Interaction

When meeting new people, it’s natural to want to make a good impression, but dwelling on every little thing you say or do can backfire. Overthinking often leads to self-doubt, which can make you come across as less genuine and more awkward. People connect with authenticity, not perfection.

Instead of analyzing every word or action, approach conversations with openness and confidence. Relax and trust that being yourself is enough. After all, you build friendships on mutual acceptance, not flawless interactions. Let go of the pressure to be perfect and focus on enjoying the moment—this will make you more approachable and relatable.

Being Too Competitive

Friendships thrive on mutual support, understanding, and trust—not rivalry. While a little friendly competition can be fun and even motivating, constantly trying to one-up your friends or comparing achievements can quickly sour the relationship.

For example, slot car racing is something that can bring friends together, but you need to be nice. There are many slot car racing etiquette and fairness rules that, if you cross the line and get too competitive, can push friends away. Nothing builds resentment like feeling that a friendship is more about proving superiority than mutual respect. Instead, focus on celebrating each other’s successes and being genuinely happy for your friends’ achievements.

Neglecting To Stay in Touch

Friendships, like plants, need regular care to thrive. It’s easy to let connections slip away when life gets busy, but neglecting to reach out can lead to relationships fading over time. Don’t wait for the other person to always initiate contact—show that you value the friendship. Even small gestures, like remembering a friend’s birthday or sending a funny meme that reminds you of them, show that you care and maintain the connection.

Talking Too Much About Yourself

Friendships are about give and take, and a healthy balance is essential. If you dominate conversations by only talking about yourself—your job, your problems, your successes—your friends might start to feel unheard or unimportant. No one wants to feel like a sounding board rather than an equal participant. Showing genuine interest in their experiences, hopes, and challenges will strengthen your bond and create a more balanced, meaningful connection.

If you want to make friends as an adult, avoiding these mistakes is a must. Strong friendships are fundamental to happiness, providing support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Approach friendships with patience, openness, and intention, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a network of people who enrich your life.