How to Make Friends as an Introvert

Introverts want real friendships as much as anyone. But most advice on how to make friends is written for extroverts, ignoring how social energy actually works for those who find small talk genuinely tiring.

At Camp Social, women arrive with different comfort levels around activity and interaction. Some dive into all the activities available, while others move slowly and observe more than participate. The most important thing is that you get to set the pace, and that same approach can help you find more friends in the "real world" too.

Below, we share real, introvert-approved ways to meet new friends, initiate conversation without forcing it, and build lasting connections without draining your social battery.

What Being an Introvert Actually Means

It's common for introverts to feel that they're "bad at people," but in reality, they just have a different relationship with social energy. Small talk can feel like a treadmill they didn't ask to get on, and being around new people can be fun, but also tiring.

The truth is, many introverts genuinely love their alone time and still want meaningful friendships that last. But when advice says, “Just put yourself out there!” it doesn’t always respect the energy it takes to do that.

Psychologists often describe introversion as an "internal laboratory." When interacting, introverts tend to internally scan their thoughts first and seldom throw out the first sentence that pops into their mind.

In a world built for small talk, that can really feel like you're doing it wrong.

Introvert-Approved Ways to Make New Friends

So, how to make friends as an introvert without exhausting yourself in the process?

These six strategies work really well for introverts (based on what we witnessed at our adult summer camp).

Take the first move, so you control the setting

Many introverts hesitate to initiate because they assume extroverts are naturally better at it. But initiation is a skill, not an extrovert trait.

The upside of making the first move is that you get to shape the setting so it fits you, instead of forcing yourself into someone else’s idea of “fun.”

Based on your hobbies, this can be:

• Grabbing coffee at a place you already like

• A walk in the park where you feel most at ease

• Meeting for a drink somewhere that isn’t crowded or loud

• Having dinner at a restaurant that serves your favorite food

See the difference?

You're not surrendering your energy to someone else's schedule, because you're designing something that feels more like you.

If plans fall through, you get unexpected alone time (a win-win).

Choose comfortable people and comfortable places

Big rooms with so many people talking at once can overwhelm your system before you’ve even decided if you like anybody there.

When your brain is scanning tone, body language, group dynamics, and trying to initiate conversation all at once, that’s a lot of input. So your energy drains before the connection even has a chance to happen.

That's why many introverts find friends more easily:

• During shared activities, where attention isn’t fixed on constant small talk

• In smaller group activities, where conversation can breathe

• Through structured events, where there’s a natural beginning and end

• In spaces where you can step away, rest, and return when your energy allows

At our adult sleepaway camp, for example, something is always happening somewhere on the property, but you never have to do it all. You can read by the beach, join one small gathering, and call it a day.

Lean into depth (you're already good at it)

For many introverts, small talk can feel like a social limbo. It keeps the conversation hovering at surface level, where nothing meaningful actually happens.

If you’re someone who prefers depth over volume, try to transition out of it faster.

After the standard opening questions, ask something slightly more specific.

For example:

• “What got you interested in that?”

• “What’s something you’re looking forward to this month?”

• “Have you always lived here, or did something bring you?”

These questions open a window and give the other person space to share a story.

Psychologists refer to people who make others feel safe enough to share as "openers."

That's your sweet spot.

If you’ve ever wondered why it's hard to make friends as an adult, it's often because people stay in surface-level conversation too long.

But you don't have to.

Use group activities as a buffer

A loud room crowded with people can drain you fast because the only “activity” is talking.

But group activities don't put the focus on you. You can do the thing, talk in between, and leave.

We have a few introvert-friendly activities that work in real life:

• A weekly class (pottery, yoga, painting, cooking)

• A recurring volunteer shift

• A small book club with a small group

• A beginner-friendly running or walking group

• A casual sports league that meets on a schedule

The beauty of group activities is that you can come with a few friends or come alone and make new ones.

Women come to our camp solo all the time, and shared activities help everyone relax quickly, introverts and extroverts included.

Let yourself leave early

You don’t have to stay until your social battery is blinking red. In fact, staying past your limit is what makes many introverts decide they don’t like socializing at all.

If your energy dips after two hours, leave early. And if you need a full day afterward to recover, then grant yourself that space.

When you respect your own energy, you show up more fully, and that makes your lasting friendships healthier in the long run.

Accept light ties and a few close friends

Meaningful friendships are important. However, don't overlook the barista you chat with, or the person you see in the same yoga class.

Casual interactions remind you that you belong in the world with other people, where you don't have to become close friends with everybody to feel connected.

Introverts prefer depth, and we think that's beautiful.

But a mix of light ties and close friends tends to support a fuller social life.

Final Thoughts

Being an introvert doesn't mean you don't like people, and it definitely doesn't mean you're destined to have only two friends your whole life (unless that's exactly what you want).

You just need a few positive hangouts that don't drain you dry.

Maybe that place is Camp Social, or your own version of it. Either way, connection doesn't have to be exhausting. Sometimes it just needs the right vibe and one small step to get things started.

FAQs

Is Camp Social only for outgoing women?

Not at all. Many women sign up for Camp Social because they're tired of loud, high-pressure social scenes.

What if I don’t know anyone there?

Most campers arrive solo. But if you arrive with Camp Social's round-trip bus, you'll meet other women before the weekend officially begins.

Will I actually meet other introverts?

Yes. Not everyone labels themselves that way, but plenty of women come because they want something deeper than casual socializing.

How is this different from a typical social event?

At Camp Social, you spend an entire weekend together. You see the same people at breakfast and activities. Time together builds familiarity, and familiarity builds comfort.

What if I need alone time?

Totally valid. It’s a camp setting, so you can step away and take a walk or sit by the lake and recharge. If you need a quieter space to reset at night, the summer camp has private rooms alongside shared bunk-bed cabins.