Staghorns = Friends?: How to Make Friends When Making Friends is Hard

I went to a plant party recently and had such a lovely revelation.

It's so hard to socialize, network, meet new people, make friends. It gets even harder as an adult when the only place where we seem to socialize is at work. And there's a difference between "work friends" and "home friends."

At this plant party, I was mostly with friends, but there were also people I had not met before or had only been acquainted with through common friends.

But we were all able to chat and have a good time.

Why was this? Why was talking at this plant party so much easier than going to a networking event and talking with other business owners?

Well for one, no one was trying to sell me anything and I wasn't trying to sell myself.

But also...

We were all there with a common interest - plants

Learning a new thing - how to mount a staghorn

Engaging in a task that required at least some concentration

It was okay if we were silent for a moment, because we were all focused on learning a new skill and engaging in a common task.

But that task also gave his a topic of conversation. We didn't have to think of something to talk about or find that we had minimal similar interests then awkwardly stand around pretending we were having a good time.

So how does this relate to my work as a therapist? I'm glad you asked!

I love working with individuals who are socially awkward, or have social anxiety, aren't really sure where to start with making friends.

This plant party introduced me to a way to build connections, practice socializing, and build relationships:

Classes

Workshops

Groups

To support this idea, I have created a list of resources for those of you interested in utilizing this idea for making friends or filling a need for socializing.

Check out my website on the resources tab for a list of places that offer classes or workshops, and even therapeutic groups you can join all around the Kansas City Metro area.

Learn a skill

Make friends