Friendships in Midlife:

There’s something tender and real about the relationships we hold in midlife. They carry history, heartache, growth, and oftentimes, grief. Grief for those we’ve lost, but also past versions of ourselves and the people and places we’ve loved along the journey. If we’re honest, friendship in this season doesn’t look like it did in our twenties or thirties.

The truth is that connection changes as we change.

Between raising families, building careers, healing from loss, or simply evolving into who we’re becoming, friendships can get lost in the shuffle. And sometimes, they need redefining. That doesn’t mean we love people less. It means we’re learning to love ourselves more and build connections that reflect our current season, not our past one.

Making new friends in midlife is vulnerable and, therefore, inherently challenging. We’re not gathering over playgrounds or college dorms or even our children’s events, where often the parents of our children’s friends become our friends. And let’s face it, we typically go to the same places and see the same people, and stop putting ourselves out there to meet and connect with new people. Nonetheless, we do have some commonalities that can connect us. In this season, our desire is for soul-nourishing connections, not just social ones.

Tips for Creating New Friendships in Midlife

If you’re feeling a little stuck on how to meet and make new friends, you’re not alone. Many women in this season find themselves longing for connection, with no idea where to start. Don’t worry, I am here to help. Here are six gentle, but powerful tips for cultivating meaningful relationships in your midlife renaissance:

1. Redefine what friendship means to you now.

You’re not the same woman you were ten years ago — and your friendships don’t have to be either. For this, be grateful. Maybe your friendships in your 20s and 30s were filled with fun and laughter, but now is the time to find friendships drenched in intention, depth, and genuineness, and they can still include all that fun and laughter, too.

Get clear on what you need in this season: Is it a deep conversation? Spiritual companionship? Laughter and lightness? Redefining friendship allows you to release outdated expectations and open your heart to new types of connections, ones that serve your true self in this new season.

2. Make space for new connections, intentionally.

Meeting new people and making new connections requires you to be intentional. You must be intentional and try new things. Go to different places. Say yes to that book club, that hiking group, that line-dance class, or that wellness retreat.

The challenge is simple: be open. Your next soul sister may not look like who you expected, but she may be exactly who you need. Connection in midlife often starts with shared values, not just shared history.

3. Release guilt around shifting relationships.

Some friendships are for a lifetime. Others were for a lesson. It’s okay if a once-close friend no longer fits into your life the same way. Honor the bond for what it was and give yourself permission to move forward with grace. It is often said that “people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.” You must have the discernment, wisdom, and courage to acknowledge the difference and then find the strength to be ok with letting go.

4. Be the friend you want to have.

It is often said, “You have to be a friend to have a friend.” Great friendships start with a great relationship with oneself. Show up with presence, authenticity, and kindness.

Don’t wait for others to initiate a conversation. Midlife friendship thrives when we lead with openness, not ego. Vulnerability is magnetic. And showing up as your true self invites others to do the same. To have friends, you must show the world your friendly self.

5. Prioritize quality over quantity.

You don’t need a crowd — you need connection. Just a few good women! A few deep, soul-aligned friendships can be far more fulfilling than dozens of surface-level acquaintances. Focus on nurturing the relationships that feel mutual, life-giving, and aligned with your growth.

6. Check in on your relationship with yourself.

Every relationship begins with you. If you’re feeling lonely, ask yourself: Am I being emotionally available to me? Are you nurturing your own joy, peace, and truth? When we connect deeply with ourselves, we naturally attract others who honor that same depth. You can only give to others what you give to yourself.

Virtual Friendships for Midlife Renaissance Women

Ready to cultivate richer connections, to be seen, supported, and celebrated with yourself and other like-hearted women? If so, stay connected to Midlife Renaissance Collective. Be sure you join our private Facebook group and join us when we meet up a couple of times each month in the Renaissance Lounge Live.

Let’s thrive and age with grace and ease together, sister. Your Renaissance doesn’t have to be a solo journey.