Making Friends as Adults

How Climbing Helped Me Create Meaningful Relationships Across the World

As a Taiwanese American who has moved around quite a bit as an adult, I know firsthand how disorienting it can feel to start over in a new country. Each move brought adventure and growth, but also a sense of loneliness. Without a built-in social circle, building friendships as an adult after moving to a new place can be very challenging.

As an introvert, I used to find socializing in new cities especially overwhelming. But one thing has consistently helped me find connection wherever I’ve landed: climbing. Through climbing, I’ve formed friendships in cities across the world. It's not only a hobby I love, but it also created a sense of belonging. Whether in London gyms or on the cliffs of Chile, climbing has introduced me to people I’d never meet otherwise, united by a shared passion and mutual trust. These connections have shown me how powerful hobbies can be in creating authentic relationships, especially in adulthood.

The Power of Community: Climbing with Women in Santiago

One of my most cherished climbing experiences was attending an outdoor bouldering conference in Cajón del Maipo, Chile, organized by Red Escaladoras. There, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, I joined a group of female climbers who, despite our different nationalities, backgrounds, and careers, were all connected by the same love for the sport.

There’s something uniquely special about climbing with other women, the camaraderie, the encouragement, and the sense of community. We celebrated each other’s progress, supported one another through challenges, and found joy in pushing our limits together. These moments of connection where words aren’t always needed, but support is deeply felt, are what makes climbing so much more than just a hobby for me.

Why Shared Passions Make Building Adult Friendships Easier

For those who find socializing in traditional settings (like networking events or large social gatherings) intimidating, hobbies can be a game-changer. Activities like climbing, biking, or hiking create natural opportunities to meet like-minded people in a way that feels organic rather than forced. Unlike meeting someone at a bar or striking up a random conversation, shared activities give you something to bond over immediately. You’re already working toward a common goal, cheering each other on, and experiencing moments of vulnerability, whether it’s a tough climb or a long trail ride. These shared moments make it easier to transition into deeper, more meaningful friendships.

How to Build Adult Friendships Through Shared Interests

If you’re looking to expand your social circle, here are a few ways to meet like-minded people in a way that feels natural and fulfilling

1. Join a Local Hobby Group or Club

• Look for climbing gyms, cycling groups, hiking meetups, or any community-based activity.

• Websites like Meetup, Facebook Groups, and local gyms often list group activities that welcome newcomers.

2. Say Yes to Invitations (Even If It’s Outside Your Comfort Zone)

• If someone from your hobby group invites you to an outing or event, go! The best friendships often form outside of structured meetups.

• Even as an introvert, I’ve found that saying yes to a post-climb dinner or group ride has led to lasting connections.

3. Be Open and Engage in Small Conversations

• Friendships take time. Start with small interactions, compliment someone’s climbing technique, ask for gear recommendations, or simply introduce yourself.

• Over time, these small exchanges build into deeper friendships.

4. Find a Regular Spot and Be Consistent

• Becoming a familiar face at a climbing gym, yoga studio, or biking trail helps you naturally integrate into the community.

• Consistency fosters familiarity, making it easier to form friendships over time.

The Joy of Adult Friendships Built on Shared Adventure

As much as moving to a new country has its challenges, it has also shown me the beauty of human connection through shared passions. No matter where I’ve lived, climbing has been my anchor, helping me meet incredible people, push past my social hesitations, and build friendships that extend far beyond the crag.

If you’re looking to find connections and build adult friendships, I encourage you to lean into your passions. Whether it’s climbing, painting, dancing, or photography, whatever brings you joy, pursuing it will not only enrich your life but also introduce you to people who see and appreciate you for who you truly are.

So take that first step. Join that group. Say hello. You never know which small moment might lead to a lifelong friendship.