The journal of open connections
Making friends as an adult: from first conversations to shared plans
Choose an activity, make a simple invitation and leave room for friendship to develop at its own pace.
Mad2Moi is the adult dating app from the same owner as this journal.
Start with something you actually want to do
Wanting more friends can feel vague. An activity gives that wish a practical starting point: a short walk, a pottery class, a book discussion or a coffee after work. Choose something you would enjoy even if the first conversation stays brief. You do not need to arrive with a story designed to impress.
Look for opportunities to meet again
A regular activity can give you another chance to talk without arranging a personal meeting immediately. Before joining, check the schedule, cost and format. A small group and a clear activity may suit you better than a large social event. These are options to try, not rules about where friendship must begin.
State your intention on an app
If you are looking for friendship, say so early. A fictional profile line could be: “I would like to meet people for exhibitions, easy walks and an occasional coffee. I am looking for friendship first.” Keep details broad enough to protect your routine and avoid describing someone else's personal life.
Make an invitation easy to answer
A specific, low-pressure invitation is easier to understand than “We should do something sometime.” For example: “I am considering the photography exhibition on Saturday afternoon. Would you be interested?” Leave room for a different date or a refusal. Avoid buying tickets for another person before agreeing on the plan and the cost.
Notice reciprocity without keeping score
Friendship does not require identical availability. Look for a pattern in which both people can suggest, respond and decline. A delayed reply is not a complete explanation of someone's intentions. You can make one clear invitation and then give the other person space, rather than turning each message into a test.
Choose a next step that feels comfortable
After an enjoyable meeting, mention something you liked and suggest another activity if you want to. You can also decide that the connection will remain occasional. For a first meeting with someone new, choose a public place and keep your own way home. The French public resources below provide additional reading; they do not guarantee an outcome.
Sources and resources
Portail national : sortir de l’isolement et retrouver du lien social (FR)
CNIL : protéger son intimité sur les applications de rencontres (FR)
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