Children can make new friends easily. But as an individual passes childhood and adolescence, the circle of friends becomes smaller. And, reaching a mature age, many people discover that it’s not easy anymore to find true friendships. Entering adulthood brings a myriad of responsibilities and often causes a shift in priorities. While friendships are cherished, making new connections becomes notably challenging. This article delves into the intricacies of forming friendships in adulthood while exploring the hurdles many grown-up people face in this endeavour. Why is it Difficult to Develop News Friendship at a Mature Age? Changing Dynamics in Adulthood When a person enters professional life and eventually starts a family, responsibilities take centre stage. Then day by day issues like career, conjugal life, children, and other personal pursuits become focal points of that person’s life, leaving less time and energy for socialising. The shift in priorities can lead to a natural distancing from the spontaneous social interactions that characterise youth. Established Social Circles Entering established friend groups can be challenging. Long-lasting friendships often have a shared history which makes it harder for newcomers to find common ground. Breaking into these circles demands effort and a willingness to navigate existing dynamics. Read more: How to Buy a Used Motorcycle: A Detailed Checklist Fear of Rejection The fear of rejection intensifies with age. Mature individuals may hesitate to initiate friendships and fear that others may not reciprocate. This fear is rooted in the vulnerability of opening oneself to potential rejection which makes the process more daunting. Communication Styles Differences in communication styles between individuals can pose obstacles. Due to professionalism and social norms, adults usually maintain distinct approaches to conservation and socialising with new people they meet.  However, an indecent approach or over-enthusiasm to create a connection with new people may lead to misunderstandings or discomfort. Navigating the decent and right way of communication requires patience and adaptability. Read more: Bearing Legacy Mindset: How Do You Want to Be Remembered? Limited Opportunities Studies indicate that, on average, it requires approximately 50 hours to form a casual friendship, while developing close friendships demands an investment of around 200 hours. As responsibilities pile up, opportunities for socialising diminish.  Work demands, family commitments, and other obligations leave little room for older adults to make spontaneous social encounters. As a result, finding time to nurture new friendships becomes a rare occurrence. Preconceived Notions When a child makes a new friend, it starts with a pure mind without prejudice. But it rarely happens in the case of mature persons.  Read more: Micro-acts of Joy: Secret to Being Happier and Healthier? Preconceived notions about individuals’ geographical, religious, political or social identity can hinder the formation of friendships among adults. Stereotypes and expectations based on age can create barriers and prevent people from seeing beyond assumptions and embracing the potential for meaningful connections. Building Trust Takes Time Trust is one of the most crucial elements of any friendship, and it tends to take longer to develop in mature relationships. Past experiences, caution, and a heightened awareness of personal boundaries contribute to the gradual nature of trust-building.