Making friends as an adult can feel difficult. Gone are the days of school and college where new people would be popping up all the time and the general atmosphere was more open and friendly. Sometimes attending an exercise class or a book club can help to make connections, but if this isn’t your thing then it’s difficult to know where else to turn. Many people find they get along well with colleagues at work, but it can feel challenging to know how to break the bubble of them being workmates and instead see each other as friends. Here are some ideas for how to take this leap.
Ask Them More Questions
Most people love being asked about themselves, and this is the perfect way to get to know each other better. You don’t want to get too personal, but taking the conversation away from general work-related talk can help to nourish a friendship between you.
Show Interest in Their Life
As well as asking the questions, it’s important to show you genuinely care about them and their life instead of it seeming that you’re just making polite conversation. Ask follow-up questions, and if they discuss any situations in their life with you then sensitively check in with this from time to time.
Plan to Have Lunch Together
If arranging to actually meet up outside of work still feels too bold, then simply ask if they’d like to take their lunch with you. This can give you the chance to switch off from work together and enjoy each other’s company more casually.
