If someone smiles at you, you know they’re friendly. If someone listens attentively, you know they’re interested.

Such are the basics of building friendships.

But as we age, forming new friendships can become more challenging. Especially when we’re stuck in certain behaviors that might be pushing people away rather than drawing them in.

If you’re in your 60s or beyond and want to expand your social circle, it might be time to reassess.

Because those who manage to make more friends at this age usually do one thing differently – they say goodbye to 8 specific behaviors.

And that’s what we’re going to talk about today.

1) Being stuck in your ways

It’s comfortable to stick with what we know.

We develop habits and routines that we don’t like to disrupt, especially as we get older. We have our preferred way of doing things and it can feel inconvenient, even downright irritating, to deviate from them.

But here’s the thing – people are drawn to those who exude openness and flexibility. Staying rigid could be limiting the number of new friends you could make.

When you’re open to different ideas, cultures, and ways of living, you become more approachable. You become someone others want to get to know better, someone they’d like to call a friend.

So, if you’re set in your ways, it might be time for a change. Because changing this one behavior could open up a whole new world of friendships for you.

Who knew flexibility could be so rewarding?

2) Neglecting to listen

We all like to talk about ourselves. We like to share our stories, our experiences, our thoughts.

But there’s a fine line between sharing and monopolizing the conversation. I learned this the hard way.

There was a time when I found myself often alone despite being in a room full of people.

I couldn’t understand why until one day, a good friend pointed out that I had a tendency to dominate conversations. I was always so eager to share my own experiences, I barely gave others the chance to do the same.

The realization hit hard, but it was a wake-up call. From that day forward, I made it a point to listen more than I spoke. To truly hear what others were saying rather than just waiting for my turn to speak.

And you know what? My relationships improved significantly. I started making more friends because people felt heard and valued when they were with me.

If you’re looking to make more friends in your 60s and beyond, be sure to give the gift of attentive listening. It’s a behavior worth adopting and one that others will truly appreciate.

3) Overlooking the power of positivity

Positivity is more than just a state of mind. It’s a magnet that draws people towards you.

Studies found that individuals who exhibit positive emotions are more likely to have stable marriages and better interpersonal skills than those who focus on the negatives. They’re also more likely to form meaningful connections.

But being positive doesn’t mean you have to pretend everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time. It’s about seeing the glass as half full, even when things aren’t going your way.

When you radiate positivity, you become someone others want to be around. You become someone they want to call a friend..

4) Underestimating the value of common interests

Remember when you were a kid and you could make a friend just by sharing the same favorite color? As adults, it’s a bit more complex, but the principle remains the same.

Common interests are a powerful bonding tool. They give you something to talk about, to share, to look forward to. They make conversations easier and encounters less awkward.

But sometimes, as we age, we forget this simple truth. We focus more on our differences rather than what brings us together.

If you’re looking to make more friends in your 60s and beyond, it’s time to rediscover the power of shared interests.

Join a book club, take a painting class, or volunteer at a local charity. You’ll be surprised by how many potential friends are waiting for you in these shared spaces.

5) Avoiding vulnerability

I’ll be the first to admit, opening up and showing your true self to others can be scary. We’re afraid of being judged, misunderstood, or rejected. I know I was.

But here’s what I’ve learned: vulnerability breeds connection. When we show others our authentic selves – our fears, our dreams, our flaws – we’re inviting them to do the same. And that’s when true friendships are formed.

I’ve had some of my most meaningful conversations and built some of my strongest friendships during moments of vulnerability. When I allowed myself to be seen, truly seen, by others.

If you’re looking to make more friends in your 60s and beyond, it might be time to let down your guard a little. To show your true self, even if it feels risky.

Because the reward – genuine connections and meaningful friendships – is well worth it.

6) Ignoring the benefits of solitude

At first glance, spending time alone might seem like the opposite of what you should do if you want to make more friends. But hear me out.

Solitude gives us time to reflect, to know ourselves better. It helps us understand what we want out of our friendships and what kind of friend we want to be.

When we’re comfortable with our own company, we bring a certain peace and self-assuredness into our interactions with others. And people are naturally drawn to that.

7) Playing it safe

It’s easy to fall into the comfort of familiar patterns, especially as we age. We stick to the same routines, frequent the same places, and interact with the same people.

But if you’re looking to make more friends in your 60s and beyond, it might be time to step out of your comfort zone.

Try a new hobby, visit a different coffee shop, strike up a conversation with someone you’d normally shy away from. Each new experience is an opportunity to meet new people and form new friendships.

8) Forgetting the importance of empathy

Empathy is the key to understanding others. It allows us to see things from their perspective, to feel what they’re feeling. When we show empathy, we’re telling others that we care about their experiences and emotions.

People are naturally drawn to those who show understanding and compassion. When we empathize, we build trust and form deep connections.

So if you’re looking to make more friends in your 60s and beyond, remember – empathy is your most powerful tool. Use it generously.

Embracing the gift of friendship

As we journey through life, friendships become more than just a social convenience. They become a source of joy, comfort, and companionship.

So if you’re looking to make more friends in your 60s and beyond, remember that it’s often not about grand gestures or shared interests alone. It’s about being open, empathetic, and willing to step outside your comfort zone.

Because at the end of the day, the beauty of friendship lies not just in the number of friends you have, but in the quality of those relationships.

And that’s something worth striving for.