Friendship Through Hobbies

Let’s be honest, making new friends is not the easiest thing in the world, and some of our more established friendships have evolved over time. Friends often have very different lives and interests, yet friends are brought together by a common ground such as college, a group they were in, or volunteer work. Sometimes when our friends are so different from us, it can make us feel lonely because we can’t seem to enjoy the things we like to do with the people we enjoy the most. Relationships of any kind are linked by the commonalities that we share about ourselves, which includes sharing our talents, our favorite pastimes, hobbies, and interests.

“It takes work to make friends as an adult. However, fostering new friendships is worth the effort, as loneliness is the biggest threat to public health, and its cost is expected to worsen.” – Connie Stemmle

Introducing friends to your favorite hobbies can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to share your passions and interests with those closest to you. However, it is important to approach this process with sensitivity and consideration to avoid coming across as annoying or pushy. Here are some tips on how to introduce friends to your favorite hobbies in a respectful and engaging manner.

Show Genuine Enthusiasm

When sharing your hobbies with friends, convey your passion and excitement in a positive and authentic way. Let your enthusiasm shine through naturally, without forcing or exaggerating your emotions.

Invite Them to Join You

Instead of imposing your hobbies on your friends, extend a friendly invitation for them to participate or observe. Offer to teach them the basics or accompany them as they explore the hobby at their own pace.

Example: When I was younger, I loved to Rollerblade, I even played street hockey. My best friend in high school didn’t know how to rollerblade, so I took my old pair of skates and took her out one day and taught her the basics. She fell all over the place, and in the long run, it wasn’t for her, but we had hours of fun and memories. I know for a fact it made her happy that I included her.

Respect Their Interests

Remember that everyone has different preferences and hobbies that they enjoy. Be open to learning about your friends’ interests and hobbies as well, creating a mutual exchange of experiences and knowledge.

Example: If your friend really loves vegan food and cooking, help them cook a meal one day together or try one of their meals.

Be Patient and Understanding

Understand that not everyone may share the same level of interest or enthusiasm for your hobbies. Be patient and respectful of your friends’ boundaries and comfort levels, allowing them to engage with your hobby at their own discretion. So just because they are open to trying your hobbies doesn’t mean you can make all your meetups about you and the hobby. Switch it up. Do your normal meetups, then one meetup with your hobby for the day and the next with theirs, etc.

Provide Options and Flexibility

Offer a variety of options or activities within your hobby that cater to different preferences and skill levels. Allow your friends to choose how they want to participate and encourage them to explore different aspects of the hobby.

Maintain Open Communication

Keep the lines of communication open with your friends throughout the introduction process. Encourage them to ask questions, provide feedback, and share their thoughts and experiences as they engage with your favorite hobby. Be patient; they are asking questions because they are eager to learn from you.

By approaching your friends slowly and respectfully with your favorite hobbies, with empathy, patience, and respect, you can create a positive and inclusive environment that encourages your friends to explore and appreciate your interests without feeling pressured or overwhelmed. Remember that the goal is to share your passion in a welcoming and inviting manner, fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie among friends, not to force anything on anyone. So avoid being pushy and show all the positive things your hobbies and interests have to offer in a fun way.