It Actually Won’t Just Happen For You…
Natasha’s tough love advice for real friendships
Image provided by Natasha B.
We hear it all the time—“You’ll find your people eventually.” But making genuine friendships as an adult is rarely that simple. That’s why we love sharing real stories from women who have taken the plunge and put themselves out there, like this one from a member of Making New Friends Gold Coast (MNFGC).
When she first came across the group, it wasn’t from a friend’s recommendation or an event—it just popped up on her Facebook.
“I was moving […] and didn’t really know anyone on the Gold Coast. Even though I was only an hour from Brisbane, that can feel like a long way for people. So it was actually quite nice to have a group to go to, to find some events and meet new people.”
She was actively looking for connection, but still cautious.
“Sometimes people hop on there, and it makes you wonder, like, are they doing this because they want people to support their business or whatever?”
From Stranger to Soul Sister: Meeting Mandi
Her very first event was simple: a walk at Burleigh Heads that she organised herself. She posted in the group and had about 10 or 12 women say they were keen. In the end, only two showed up—but those two stuck.
“Mandi and I connected because she commented on my post that she would like to come for the walk. We went on the walk. We really bonded.”
What started as a spontaneous meetup quickly turned into something more.
“She’s awkward in the best way possible, adorably cute, and beautiful inside and out. She’s just an amazing human being.”
In just a few months, they’ve already built a deep friendship—sharing beach walks, brunches, picnics, family time, even meeting other friends together.
Why It Matters
Having that one consistent person has meant a lot. Natasha shares that having someone to share the ups and downs with has made the move easier as her and Mandi have been able to support each other through the challenges.
For her, adult friendships aren’t always about finding someone just like you—it’s about shared values and a willingness to try.
For the Woman Still Searching
“It’s hard. Especially as mums, we’re used to friendships that come through our kids. But when you want to make friends just for you—it doesn’t just happen.”
And the tough love truth?
“I would say that if you are struggling, yes, recognise that you’re struggling—but just hoping for the best isn’t going to be enough to make it happen. It’s not some sort of magical thing.”
“You can’t just expect new friends to break into your home and be like, ‘Hi, I’m your new friend!’ You have to put yourself out there. And if it’s not working, reflect. Are you going to the same kinds of events, connecting with the same types of people? Try something new.”
She also recommends trying the activities offered in the group—like Speed Friending events—rather than waiting for connection to come to you.
“You don’t want to go into a depression or anything like that.”
Avoiding isolation, Natasha says, is just as much about protecting your mental health as it is about meeting people.
Her advice to anyone feeling nervous?
“If you’re feeling unsure about putting yourself out there on the group—well, the worst that can happen is you might actually get someone make a negative comment, right? But when that happens, you’ll get 50 other women who will jump in and say, ‘Hey, that’s not appropriate, that’s not what we’re about here,’ and they will support you.”
Her story is a reminder that friendships won’t magically appear. But the moment you decide to show up, you create your own magic.
Image provided by Natasha B.
