Humans are inherently social creatures. 

We’re hardwired to seek companionship. Healthy friendships—especially with other pro-age women like ourselves—help support our physical, mental and emotional well-being. People with active social lives often live happier, fuller, more pleasurable lives.

Healthy online friendships can be an important part of your social circle—especially when it’s difficult to meet up with friends in person. The internet gives you the opportunity to meet new people and make friends you can reach at any time of day or night. 

The virtual world also makes it easier to meet people with different backgrounds and stretch beyond our comfort zones. 

Building meaningful online friendships might be tough at first. Maybe it takes a little longer to feel connected with others in ways that feel “real.” It might also be difficult to interpret someone’s tone or intention through text on a screen.

One easy place to begin is by searching for people or communities you’re already connected with.

Try reaching out to friends you haven’t spoken to in a while, like those from a book club you used to belong to or who live in cities you’ve called home in the past.

If you browse online alumni groups, you may even find friends from your high school or college days you’ve forgotten or lost touch with. 

With these friends, you already have some shared history and a place to begin the conversation.

If you enjoy an activity like cross stitch, painting or dance, you can look for community groups that share your interests. Many fascinating, pro-age women have connected with one another on Boom’s Facebook page, during Boom Ladies’ Night and on Instagram.

Or, if you’re passionate about travel, art or music, discussion groups on a forum like Reddit, Proboards or Discourse might serve your needs. There are even online services built for finding friends in your area, like Bumble BFF and Meetup. 

Want to learn something new and meet new people? Sign up for an online class. The class setting provides an easier way to break the ice. If you take a class through a local community college or university, you’re also more likely to meet people who live near you. 

Try asking questions of the more experienced community members—they’ll likely relish the opportunity to give their input! 

Giving and receiving help is a great way to meet and connect with others and feel good about your contributions in the world.

Deepening Relationships Online

Are you hoping to build deep, personal relationships online? 

Just like in person, online relationships develop faster when you’re sharing real conversations.

To build deeper, more meaningful friendships with others online, look for groups that are interested in discussing profound topics. You might find such conversations in journaling or meditation communities. 

If you’re searching for support on a particular issue like grief or illness, you may find online support groups helpful. 

Online Safety

Experts advise that you keep personal information private, including your address, full name and phone number, and never share any financial information. 

When posting photos, try not to share images that might reveal your location, like where you live or work—at least until you know who you’re connecting with.

Trust your instincts. If you suspect fraud, disengage or double-check with an official source. You can also report fraud and scams to government officials.

As you build your online friendships, you’ll find that they can feel as deep and fulfilling as any other relationships. The energy and kindness you bring makes you a wonderful friend to know—online or IRL (in real life).

Have you made friends online? How did you build those relationships?