How to Make Genuine Friendships in Your 20s (and Keep Them)
There’s something about your 20s that makes friendships feel... complicated. Suddenly, you’re an adult—busy, independent, navigating different life paths—and the friendships that once felt effortless now require intention, effort, and a little bit of grace. As we grow and change, some friendships naturally evolve while others fade, making it harder to hold onto the connections that once felt so easy.
Even though we’re adults now, we’re not meant to do life alone. Deep, soul-nourishing friendships are one of the greatest gifts, and no matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to find your people. The key? Being intentional.
Why Making Friends in Your 20s Feels Hard
The transition into adulthood brings major changes—careers, relationships, moving to new places—and it’s easy to feel disconnected. Unlike childhood friendships that happened naturally, adult friendships require effort. People are busy, schedules don’t always align, and sometimes, friendships fade. But rather than seeing this as discouraging, think of it as an opportunity to build the kind of friendships that truly last.
Where to Find Genuine Friendships
Friendship starts with showing up. Here are some ways to put yourself in spaces where connection can happen:
Say yes to invitations – Even if it’s a little outside your comfort zone, putting yourself in new environments increases the chances of meeting like-minded people.
Join a faith group or Bible study – If you want friendships rooted in faith, seek out spaces where people are actively pursuing God.
Pursue your interests in community settings – Whether it’s a workout class, book club, volunteer group, or creative workshop, doing things you love will naturally bring you around people who share your values.
Be intentional online – Social media isn’t just for scrolling—it can be a tool to connect with like-minded women. Don’t be afraid to DM someone you admire or suggest grabbing coffee.
How to Build and Maintain Meaningful Friendships
Once you meet the right people, nurturing those friendships takes effort. Here’s how to cultivate relationships that last:
Be the kind of friend you want to have. Show up, encourage, check in, and be present. Friendship is a two-way street, and the best ones are built on mutual effort.
Practice vulnerability. Real friendships require depth. Be willing to share your heart, struggles, and faith, and create space for others to do the same.
Communicate openly. If something is off, address it with love. Good friendships are built on honesty and trust.
Don’t let busyness be an excuse. Prioritize quality time, even if it’s just a voice memo, a coffee date, or a FaceTime call.
Give friendships room to grow and change. People evolve, and so do friendships. Allow room for growth rather than expecting things to always stay the same.
Let God Lead Your Friendships
Friendships that are aligned with your purpose will bring peace, joy, and encouragement. Pray for the right people. Ask God to remove friendships that no longer serve you and bring in the ones that do. And when He does? Invest in them.
Your 20s don’t have to be lonely. The right people are out there—you just have to be willing to find them, nurture them, and hold onto them with grace.
If you’re ever looking to connect with someone, my DM’s are always open. <3
