No Friends, No Partner – How Do Adults Make Friends in Singapore?

Average Sinkie

Average Sinkie

— 2 min read
No Friends, No Partner – How Do Adults Make Friends in Singapore?
Photo by Daniel Lerman / Unsplash

A recent post on r/askSingapore highlighted a common struggle—making friends as an adult in Singapore. The original poster (OP) shared that they lost touch with their secondary school and university friends over time and now only have work acquaintances. With mostly solo hobbies like gymming and a lack of interest in dating apps, OP finds it difficult to build new social connections.

Friendships in Adulthood: A Common Struggle

Many Redditors resonated with OP’s experience, acknowledging that friendships often fade as life priorities change. Some suggested that it’s important to take a proactive approach to socializing.

"You gotta put yourself out there." – u/ang3lkia
"I find it hard to make friends from hobbies/interest groups because of the low frequency of meetups. Most of my friends come from past workplaces and schools. Maybe try reaching out to old friends for a meal?" – u/thesoftboiboi

Finding Friends Through Hobbies

One of the most recommended ways to meet new people was through shared interests and group activities. Many users encouraged OP to step out of solo activities and join communities.

"If you like gymming, there’s gym classes, cycling clubs, running clubs, hiking groups, or finding a gym buddy to train together." – u/-zexius-
"Maybe you can join a run club. Lots of people do that nowadays. Haven’t tried it ‘cause I don’t want to run, but I always see them on social media." – u/Express_Leather1772
"I also attend pop-up events related to my interests, like a monthly musical theatre open mic night. It helps me feel part of a community." – u/PlaneRoom7681

Some also suggested online gaming as an option to make virtual friends with similar interests.

"Online games? I don't mind having more online friends." – u/BusinessCommunity813

Reaching Out and Staying Open to New Connections

Many Redditors were eager to connect, with some openly offering friendship.

"Come, I be your friend. What hobbies do you have?" – u/Head_Calligrapher670
"I can be your friend! If you're a girl, we can go do nails, hike, and pottery!" – u/Ok-Bicycle-12345

A few users pointed out that making friends requires effort and patience.

"Relationships are a two-way street, and it’s HARD. Some friends won’t stay, but it’s crucial to appreciate what you had and continue building new memories." – u/HerroWarudo

Beyond Hobbies: Exploring Other Avenues

For those who don’t enjoy traditional hobby groups, some alternative suggestions included:

  • Volunteering – A good way to meet like-minded people while contributing to a cause.
  • Networking events – Some users recommended professional or social networking gatherings.
  • Religious or spiritual communities – A potential way to find people with shared values.
"Not a religious person myself, but you can consider church. Attend networking events, or maybe find a partner?" – u/DeadlyKitten226

A Reality Check on Adult Friendships

While many users encouraged socializing, some also emphasized that learning to enjoy one’s own company is important.

"Honestly, I think it's normal to be alone as we age. Friends get married, have kids, and their priorities shift. It’s better to be content alone than forcing social interactions that don’t feel meaningful." – u/bahnanaberry
"You prefer to be alone. It's better for mental health because nowadays people only talk about money. Soon enough, they'll either ask to borrow money or get you to invest in their latest business idea." – u/Agile_Ad6735

Final Thoughts

Making friends as an adult in Singapore is not impossible, but it requires conscious effort. Whether through hobbies, reconnecting with old friends, or attending social events, the key is to be open to new experiences. And if all else fails? At least Reddit is proving to be a place where strangers are willing to befriend one another.

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