Do Adults Have Best Friends?

Remember making a best friend in elementary school? It was simple. You both liked the same color crayon, or you shared your snacks at recess. Boom. Best friends for life. But now that you’re juggling classes, a job, and planning for the future, friendship can feel a lot more complicated. You might look around and wonder, "Do adults have best friends?"

The answer is a big yes! But it often looks different from what it did when you were a kid. Life gets busy, and deep friendships don't just happen anymore. They require us to be a little more intentional.

Why Friendship Still Matters

As you step into new phases of life, having good friends is more important than ever. These are the people who will cheer you on, challenge you, and point you back to Jesus when you feel lost. The Bible has a lot to say about the power of friendship. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Your friends are a gift from God. They help you grow into the person He created you to be. They celebrate your wins, and they sit with you when things are tough. Having a best friend means having someone in your corner, no matter what.

Can Adults Really Have a Best Friend?

While adult friendships might not look like childhood ones, having a best friend as an adult is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. Your best friend might not be someone you see every day, but they’re the person you can call at any hour, the one who knows your quirks and still loves you.

Think about Jesus and His disciples. Among the twelve, He had an especially close bond with Peter, James, and John. Even Jesus modeled the importance of having a small circle of trusted friends.

As an adult, your best friend might be the one who prays with you before a big decision, encourages you when you’re down, and celebrates your victories like they’re their own. It’s not about quantity but quality. A best friend is someone who walks alongside you in faith, helping you grow closer to God and navigate life’s challenges.

How To Build Strong Friendships as an Adult

Building these connections as an adult takes effort, but it's so worth it. It’s less about having one single "best friend" and more about building a community of close, trusted people.

Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

• Be the friend you want to have. Are you a good listener? Are you encouraging? Start by offering the kind of friendship you're looking for.

• Show up for people. Go to their parties, work events, or study groups. Celebrating what’s important to them shows you care.

• Invite them into your routine. Ask a friend to grab coffee, run errands with you, or join you for a workout. Friendship is built in the small, everyday moments.

• Pray for and with your friends. One of the most powerful things you can do is bring your friendships before God. Ask Him to bless your friends and guide your relationships.

True friendship is one of God’s greatest blessings. It may not look like it did on the playground, but the deep, meaningful friendships you build now can last a lifetime.