Research shows that having social connections is one of the most reliable predictors of a long, healthy, and satisfying life.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But making friends as an adult can be difficult. Between work, family, and packed schedules, finding meaningful connections can feel out of reach.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Health<\/a> experts say the lack of social connection can have serious consequences. About one in three adults in the U.S. report feeling lonely.\u00a0<\/p>\n Nearly one in four say they lack social or emotional support according to a\u00a0recent survey<\/a> by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Loneliness is an epidemic here in the U.S.,” said relationship expert Shari Leid<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Leid says strong friendships aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential.<\/p>\n “What we want in the end is relationships. That’s what matters,” she said.<\/p>\n Her advice is simple, be intentional.<\/p>\n “We tend to neglect our social life a lot, but prioritize it,” Leid said.<\/p>\n That message resonates with Miami<\/a> mom Sharon Feiereisen.<\/p>\n After moving to South Florida<\/a>, Feiereisen found herself starting over, without friends, family nearby, or a built-in support system.<\/p>\n “I moved alone with both of my kids and I had no mom friends, and it was very hard,” she said.<\/p>\n Looking for a connection, Feiereisen decided to create it herself.<\/p>\n She launched “The Mom Club,” a community that brings together moms, dads, and families through small, in-person events focused on health, wellness, and conversation.\u00a0<\/p>\n The group hosts meetups almost monthly, giving parents a chance to connect beyond school drop-offs and playdates.<\/p>\n “These events are intentionally kept small so you can come here alone and it’s not awkward,” Feiereisen said. “Everyone’s looking for somebody to complain to and get it out.”<\/p>\n What started as a way to meet people has turned into lasting friendships.<\/p>\n “There are people who I’ve told the most insane things. And I can’t even believe we’ve only known each other a year-and-a-half,” she said.<\/p>\n Experts say fear is one of the biggest barriers to making friends as an adult , worrying about how we’ll be perceived.<\/p>\n Leid encourages people to shift their focus.<\/p>\n “Make the first move,” she said. “Everyone’s a little nervous when you first meet somebody. It gets easier over time.”<\/p>\n For Feiereisen, taking that first step changed everything.<\/p>\n “I wouldn’t have had any community,” she said.<\/p>\n Now, through\u00a0The Mom Club<\/a>, she’s helping others find the same sense of belonging she once searched for herself.<\/p>\n