From knitting to gaming to golfing to Netflix binging - we have an endless amount of hobbies in this world and so many potential friends to go with it! Hobby friends share a common passion, which makes conversations easier and more enjoyable. These friendships often form through classes, clubs, online communities, or local events where you can bond over shared experiences. Building connections around hobbies not only helps you develop new skills but also creates a supportive environment where friendships can thrive and grow, making it easier to stay connected and motivated in your pursuits.
What Are Hobby Friends?
Hobby friends are BFFs that are made over shared hobbies/interests. There are so many hobbies out there - making these friend types is a great way to curb loneliness while also partaking in your passions. Given the schedule difficulties as an adult, being able to combine your social life with a hobby makes it easier to have it all!
What Are The Benefits To Making A Hobby Friend?
-Time: Combining friendship & hobbies can be more time efficient on a daily/weekly basis. Plan out and schedule your hobby/activity with your friends in advance.
-Purpose: Life feels more accomplished when you have purpose! Hobbies can provide a purpose and lead to forming more goals/experiences. Hobby friends can be with you every step of the way and you learn/build together. This can make for amazing memories and a lasting friendship.
-Mental Health: Doing something you love is good for your mental health - and having a friend that supports that activity is even more rewarding!
The Downside & What To Watch Out For With This Friend Type:
Hobby friends can be a blast—until your passion turns into competition. Sharing a hobby can bond you like nothing else, but it’s a fine line between camaraderie and rivalry. Maybe one of you starts to outshine the other, whether it’s mastering the craft faster, getting more recognition, or just being better at the activity. Next thing you know, what was once fun has turned into a subtle (or not-so-subtle) contest. There’s also the risk of overloading each other with expectations—suddenly, the hangouts are no longer about enjoying the hobby, but about impressing each other or proving something. And if one of you loses interest or decides to switch things up, it can leave the other feeling abandoned or betrayed.
How To Make Hobby Friends:
The best way to make a hobby friend is to attend events or places that revolve around said activity. Thanks to the internet and social media, it's never been easier to meet likeminded people. Here's some other helpful ways to make a friend with shared hobbies:
Facebook groups: Browse Facebook for groups based on your favorite hobbies! From there, it's easy to share/connect with other members and potentially meet up off the app or slowly build a friendship online.
Classes: Enroll in a local class to grow your skills! Classes and projects are amazing ways to make new friends because your teacher often facilitates connections. The recurring aspect of a class helps ensure you continuously get a chance to socialize and get to know each other!
Events: Search your hobbies on sites like Eventbrite and make plans to attend any events that catch your interest. We recommend going to at least 1-2 events in month to continue growing your social life!
Rating Hobby Friends
Connection Ease:
███████ 7/10 - Fairly easy if meet at an event/place revolving around your hobby
Shared Interests:
█████████ 9/10 - Many shared interests within hobbies
Continue The Hobby Friend Conversation:
Check out Season 1, Episode 3 "Hobby Friends" on our podcast! Available on Spotify & major streaming platforms! You can also view this episode through our website or on Youtube.
Have a hobby friend story to share?! We would love to hear it! Leave us a comment or message us at hardtomakefriends@gmail.com
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