Why Is Making Friends So Hard? A Gen Z Dialogue on Friendship

Struggle to make friends as a young adult? Join us for a collaborative dialogue blending modern strategies with ancient philosophy. So, maybe you’re a few years out of college, and you’re starting to realize a rather painful truth: making friends is pretty dang hard. After years of sitting beside the same classmates nine months of the year, or enjoying playdates your parents arranged for you, suddenly you’re out in the “real world,” where everyone seems so occupied with the daily grind that making new friends tends to fall pretty low on the list of priorities. So, what is a lonely under-thirty to do? Join us for a lighthearted yet worthwhile dialogue about the challenges many Gen Zers face when it comes to making and sustaining friendships in our modern world. This session is designed to be collaborative, and while we don’t claim to have all the answers, our Gen Z Acropolis Boston members will share strategies that have worked for them in cultivating meaningful, lasting friendships. Together, we’ll swap perspectives, explore what gets in the way of genuine connection, and consider what we can actually do about it. And because Acropolis Boston is dedicated to making philosophy accessible and applicable to everyday life, expect a little ancient wisdom sprinkled into the conversation. After all, philosophers have been asking questions about friendship, belonging, and human connection for thousands of years. Our circumstances may have changed, but relationship challenges are as old as time. This session is perfect for transplants, recent grads, young professionals, and the people who care about them. Let’s tackle this together! Maybe you’ll even leave with a new friend. This event is free and open to all. Acropolis Boston is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to making philosophy practical and accessible in everyday life. We invite attendees who are able to consider a suggested donation of $5 to help support event planning and administrative costs and allow us to continue offering community programming in Cambridge. You are welcome to contribute any amount that feels right for you—whether that’s $5, $10 or more—and no one will ever be excluded based on their ability to donate. Your contribution also helps us better anticipate attendance, reduce no-shows, and create the best possible experience for everyone who joins us.